Seattle Public Library Receives Largest Ever Private Gift: $20 Million Gift Kicks Off Capital Campaign

SEATTLE -- Bill and Melinda Gates, emphasizing their desire to help Seattle create a library system that will stand at the forefront of change in the century ahead, today announced their gift of $20 million to Seattle Public Library.

The Gateses' contribution, the largest single gift ever made to a public library, was officially announced at a special event at Seattle's Central Library, 1000 4th Ave., Lee Auditorium this morning (Tuesday, Nov. 24). The auditorium was packed beyond its 200-seat capacity with enthusiastic public officials, community leaders, members of the Seattle Public Library Friends and Foundation, and other library supporters.

Mayor Paul Schell, in announcing the $20 million gift, said Seattle Public Library has the potential to play a unique and significant role in the future of the city. "Eighty percent of Seattle residents have library cards," he said. "With 24 library locations – soon to be 27 – Seattle Public Library can bring the promise of the future within everyone's grasp."

The gift will help supplement and enhance funding for Seattle Public Library's

"Libraries for All" capital plan. A $196.4 million bond measure (Proposition One), which will fund the majority of the plan, received an overwhelming 72 percent voter-approval on Nov. 3. The total cost of the Libraries for All plan is $238 million. The Seattle Public Library Foundation is leading the campaign to raise private funds for the plan.

"Public libraries are leading the way in providing access to literacy and knowledge to people of all ages and from all walks of life," Bill Gates said.

The Gateses said they strongly support libraries because they are centers for learning that respond to any individual's desire to know more. "Libraries help level the playing field by giving everyone – no matter what their economic situation – access to the same tools and information," Melinda Gates said. "This gift will ensure that the Seattle Public Library continues to connect people with the information they need."

City Librarian Deborah L. Jacobs said the Gateses' gift would touch the lives of citizens for generations to come. "We are extremely grateful for this very substantial and generous contribution," she said. "This gift, combined with the bond approved by voters, we will build a Library system for the future – one that stimulates a desire for knowledge and learning. It will ensure that the most up-to-date resources for acquiring that knowledge are available, free and close to home."

Approximately $15 million will be used to expand and improve the neighborhood libraries, $4 million will pay for enhanced book collections systemwide and $1 million to support literacy, ESL and other important programs that provide opportunities for lifelong learning.

Seattle Public Library Foundation President Jack Faris, who accepted the gift on behalf of the Foundation, said the contribution will "expand our vision, extend our reach, and help us inform and enrich the lives of all our citizens in the century to come."

Faris emphasized that the gift was also a call to action. "We hope this it will serve as a stimulus to other private sources," he said. With the Gateses' gift, Faris announced that the Foundation, which had originally pledged to raise $40 million, had increased its commitment to $60 million.

"As we confront the critical need for an increasingly skilled workforce and for equal educational opportunities for all youngsters, building strong community libraries should rank among our highest priorities," Faris said.

When completed, Libraries for All will replace the Central Library with a new, larger facility on the current site at 1000 4th Ave., build three new branches, replace six overcrowded and outdated branch libraries and improve 16 other existing branches. The plan will also pay for new technology and collections. In addition, the city has committed to increasing the Library's budget to expand operating hours.