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Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation Receives $11 Million Grant From the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc.
April 18, 2002
The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation has received a commitment of an $11 million grant from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc. for the renovation and transformation of Central Library downtown. With this gift, the IMCPL Foundation has raised a total of $14.3 million toward its $20 million goal.
The estimated $104 million project is scheduled for groundbreaking in the fall of 2002, with a projected completion date of December, 2005.
"We are deeply gratified by the support of the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc. in helping to create a new learning environment for all the citizens of Marion County," stated Julie Houk Goodrich, Chair of the IMCPL Foundation Board of Directors.
This is the first major grant awarded by the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc., a private foundation established by Allen W. Clowes, a leading philanthropist in Indianapolis. The mission of this Foundation is to support charitable organizations that were supported by Mr. Clowes during his life or are similar to those supported by Mr. Clowes.
Specifically, $5 million from the grant will support the transformed Central Library's Family Information Center, a new model for learning, academic performance and workforce preparation benefiting young people. Here, children will gain the interpretive skills needed for a deeper understanding and knowledge of the world.
In addition, $4 million of grant funding will be devoted toward the new facility's Atrium, a huge bridge connecting the existing Central Library building constructed in 1917 and a new six-story addition that will contain book stacks and other materials. Situated under a glass roof with glass walls, the Atrium will house the Information Desk, Circulation Desk, automated catalogs, a Library Shop, an Exhibition Area and café.
Finally, $2 million will be earmarked for construction of a 350-seat auditorium, which will host author events, live performances, film and distance learning presentations, and more. These free programs will enhance citizens' cultural, educational, recreational and literary experiences and help strengthen the cultural tourism efforts of the City of Indianapolis.
The transformation of Central Library is the keystone of IMCPL's Capital Projects Program involving renovation and new construction of library facilities throughout the library system.
