To assist the Township in funding the library renovations, the Lower Merion Library Foundation is sponsoring a Capital Campaign called Building For The Future: The Campaign For Lower Merion Libraries. The Campaign aims to raise $5 to $7 million from private donors and foundations to help offset the estimated $23 million cost to complete all of the library renovation projects. Donations can be restricted to one library project, or can be unrestricted and be applied to any of the projects. The Foundation has organized a Capital Campaign Committee (chaired by former Lower Merion Commissoner Charlie Bloom) and has hired Schultz & Williams, a fundraising consultant firm, to help manage the campaign. For more information, the Capital Campaign Office can be reached at (610) 645 - 6123.

In addition to these efforts, the Department of Libraries staff are researching federal, state, and private foundation grants as potential funding opportunities for the renovation projects.

Here are the current estimated 'order of magnitude' costs of each Library capital project (**except for Ludington) and the amount of Campaign contributions the Lower Merion Library Foundation hopes to raise in support of each project. The Campaign is also seeking funds to support a system-wide technology upgrade in all six libraries. Called Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) this system offers powerful and efficient methods for implementing everything from self-checkout to security systems. Costs for RFID are included in each project. The Campaign is hoping to raise $250,000 toward this important service goal.