Friends of the Carnegie Establish Fund to Benefit Historic Library

BEMIDJI, MN – May 2, 2014 – Community members and supporters of Bemidji’s historic Carnegie Library building have formed a new group, the Friends of the Carnegie Library, to provide long term support of the Carnegie, and promote its future legacy and well-being.

As part of their initial efforts, the Friends have established the “Friends of the Carnegie Library Fund”, a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF). This new fund will support fundraising efforts for the 2015 restoration of the historic structure, as well as future preservation activities for the Carnegie.

Suzanne Liapis has been elected president of the new Friends group, and she and other community members will serve as the fund’s advisors. “We’ve had wonderful support from so many people in the community and from local businesses,” said Liapis. “The contributions to date total $663,000 - more than 40 percent of our fundraising target. We are confident that we will reach our goal, and look forward to starting the Carnegie restoration in spring 2015.”

Everyone is welcome to contribute. Donations to the fund are tax-deductible. Secure online giving is available at http://www.savethecarnegie.org and at http://www.nwmf.org. To make a donation, become a member of the Friends of the Carnegie Library, or for further information, visit the website or contact Kay Murphy at (218) 759-3570.

In service to the Friends of the Carnegie group, NMF administers the fund, manages investments, and oversees the distribution of grants. NMF staff assists the advisory committee with public relations, fund development, and nonprofit organizational management. Contact Lisa Peterson, NMF Development Officer at (800) 659-7859 or email lisap@nwmf.org for more information.