The New York Times article “Libraries See Opening as Bookstores Close” (December 27, 2012) documents the changing role of public libraries in communities across the United States.

As the foundation works to improve the library, we support our librarians as they create a library that fulfills contemporary and future needs. Much of the current capital campaign focusses on developing outstanding spaces where community members gather. The new furniture, signage and art for the Children’s, Spanish Language, and Fiction areas comprise part of this effort.

The present phase of the campaign seeks to raise $60,000 to purchase materials and fund the installation of the glass art piece whose design and construction has been donated by world-renowned artist Ed Carpenter in memory of his mother, Molly Starbuck, a long-time library volunteer. We expect that the art installation in the library’s foyer will draw visitors from throughout the Portland Metropolitan Area to Forest Grove.