New library campaign receives major gift

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The WHERE COMMUNITY CONNECTS Campaign for a new Newton Public Library building has received a $50,000 gift from the Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., of Lebo, Kansas. This moves the campaign past the $2.4 million mark in total funds raised.

Lewis Humphreys was a farmer, rancher and World War II veteran. His trust was established years ago to help youth and to advance education.

“We are grateful for the support and generosity of our local community who have given to this campaign,” said Angela Becker, Newton Public Library Foundation board president. “Between local support and out-of-city and out-of-county gifts such as the Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust, we are closing in on our campaign goal.”

The campaign is raising $2.7 million to help fund the construction of a new Newton Public Library. It is an initiative of the Newton Public Library Foundation, an affiliate of the Central Kansas Community Foundation.

“The new library is designed to be a community hub, a place where people can study, play, explore, and create,” said Ann Adrian, campaign co-chair. “This project has been in the works for a long time, and it’s incredibly exciting to be this close to the finish line.”

The proposed new library will be built immediately adjacent to the existing library in Military Park, near downtown Newton. The City of Newton and Newton Public Library have committed funds to the project, with private donations needed to fund the balance.

Features of the new library will include updated children and teen areas, private study rooms, an additional youth meeting room, and a drive-through service window.

Those wishing to participate as a donor can contact library director Cari Cusick at ccusick@newtonplks.org, or 316-283-2890. A campaign gift can be made with cash, securities, or through other gift-giving vehicles, and commitments can be made over a five-year period. Online donations can be made through the Central Kansas Community Foundation website at https://centralkansascf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1561.