The Ypsilanti District Library is turning the page to a bright future, launching the Next Chapter Capital Campaign to help build a new branch in Superior Township. To date the campaign has raised just over $1.5M during its “quiet phase,” with $500,000 in additional funds remaining to reach its $2M goal. The Library Board has earmarked $3.5M for the project, but campaign proceeds will ensure the new library opens with all the amenities the community requested.
The public phase of the campaign begins June 1st, and aims to combat a rising budget stemming from COVID delays and skyrocketing construction costs.
“We want this library to be special, and to open with everything our community asked for, including a drive-up book return and outdoor programming area, in spite of the increased cost,” said Library Director Lisa Hoenig.
Starting June 1, supporters from across the community can visit ypsilibrary.org/nextchapter to donate and learn more about the project. The new, full-service library, tentatively slated to open in Summer 2022, will improve library access in Superior Township and Willow Run. The new 7,800 sq. ft. building will replace the “temporary” 1,000 square foot space on MacArthur Boulevard that’s been used since 2007.
The Young Family Next Chapter Challenge
The campaign is kicking off with an outstanding matching challenge, courtesy of Superior Township residents Bill and Vivienne Young. The Youngs, who believe strongly in supporting education, have contributed $400,000 from the Young Family Foundation, with the second half a two-to-one challenge match.
Beginning June 1, every dollar raised will be matched by the Youngs with two, up to $100,000. The Challenge runs through July 31 or until the Young Family Next Chapter Challenge goal is reached.
YDL extends special thanks to the Next Chapter Capital Campaign leadership donors whose early support paved the way for the new library.
- The Young Family Foundation
- A generous anonymous foundation donor
The Ypsilanti District Library’s Next Chapter
The new library will give neighborhood kids an inspiring place to learn and grow, and ensure everyone has easy, equal access to the vital services YDL provides.
The new YDL-Superior location at 1900 Harris Road will feature engaging youth and teen spaces, a popular reading area with a Motawi tile-surround fireplace, a clerestory cupola, a drive-up book return, and an accessible raised-bed learning garden. It will offer the meeting space needed to bring the Library’s most popular events to Superior for the first time.
The long journey to this vision took dedication and investment by the Library Board and Superior Township’s administration, hard work by the design team, and valuable input and votes from the community.
When YDL planned its 2018 library millage campaign, the estimated construction budget was $2.3M. Following overwhelming support at the ballot box, YDL held public input sessions to make sure the new facility would provide services the community wants and needs. This important feedback increased the size of the building – and the budget. With steep increases to tariffs and COVID delays, construction and materials costs have soared. Adding all of this together, the project budget has more than doubled.
YDL engaged architect Dan Whisler of Daniels & Zermack Architects to design the new Superior building. Whisler was the lead project architect on YDL’s stunning Whittaker Road location 20 years ago. The construction manager for the project is O’Neal Construction of Ann Arbor.
Alongside the library project, Harris Road will also be widened, with acceleration and deceleration lanes added near the entrance drive. That work is expected to begin in August.
On April 7, YDL held a community celebration to break ground on the new Superior branch library on Harris Road. By all accounts it was a jubilant event, with amazing weather, an impressive crowd, and fantastic speakers. Elected officials from all levels of government were on hand to show their support. Everyone was excited to celebrate something positive for the community, outside, in person, safely.
Donations to the Next Chapter Capital Campaign will help build a lasting community hub that will inspire, inform, entertain, and welcome everyone in the library district for generations.
How to contribute
- Donate online at ypsilibrary.org/nextchapter
- Mail checks made out to Ypsilanti District Library to: Next Chapter Capital Campaign / Ypsilanti District Library / 5577 Whittaker Road / Ypsilanti, Michigan, 48197
- Contact Library Director Lisa Hoenig to discuss sponsorship and naming opportunities at lisa@ypsilibrary.org, or call 734-879-1300.
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