The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation has reached a significant milestone in its ambitious capital campaign, marking a major step forward in the transformation of one of the city’s most valued public institutions. According to the Foundation, its first $1 million in contributions to A New Chapter: Revitalizing Our Palm Springs Public Library has now been fully matched by the Palm Springs Public Library Board of Trustees, unlocking an additional $1 million from the Library Trust Fund. This achievement brings the campaign’s total to $2 million toward its $7 million goal.
The Board of Trustees—responsible for long‑term planning, stewardship of public resources, and oversight of the Library Trust Fund—pledged the match to accelerate community investment in the Library’s $52 million renovation currently underway. With the match fulfilled, every dollar raised so far has doubled its impact, supporting enhanced public spaces, expanded programming, and a long‑term endowment designed to secure the Library’s future for generations.
This early success reflects broad community confidence in the project. Major contributors include Friends of the Palm Springs Public Library; the Jane Lykken Hoff Endowment Fund at the Inland Empire Community Foundation; Karla Kjellin‑Elder & Jeff Elder; the Lamb Family Foundation; Jim Gray & Bernard Rottner and Betty Rae Smith; David Engen & Ken Pengelly; and Deborah Schwarz. An anonymous $100,000 gift, along with dozens of additional donations ranging from $50 to $50,000, helped propel the campaign across the finish line.
“We are deeply grateful to the initial donors who stepped forward to lead this important fundraising effort. We are excited for the broader community to get involved as we write the next chapter for our invaluable community resource,” said Bill Wylie, PSPLF Board President.
Funds raised through A New Chapter will support a wide range of enhancements, including flexible community gathering areas, a dedicated maker space, expanded learning zones, outdoor reading gardens, a teen center, and a $5 million endowment to ensure long‑term financial stability. Construction on the Library’s transformation is already in progress, with reopening anticipated in 2027.
Community members interested in contributing, exploring naming opportunities, or learning more about the campaign can visit https://nextchapter.pslibraryfoundation.org