Southampton Free Library Launches $575K Capital Campaign

The Southampton Free Library, located here at 947 Street Road, today announced  the launch of a new Capital And Endowment Campaign to raise $575,000 for renovations and expanded programming for adults and children.

The announcement was made by Greg Crompton, newly appointed chairperson for the library’s Capital and Endowment Committee. Crompton is vice president/branch manager of Fulton Bank in Southampton.

“The current library building was constructed in 1971 under the aegis of Upper Southampton Township,” he notes. “ Last year there were more than 100,000 visits by area adults and children, who participated in some 100 events for adults and some 170 events for children of all ages. Because of this heavy, continuous usage many areas of  the library now require modernization and refurbishing.” 

In addition, he notes that there is a real need for endowment funds to enhance current programs adding more variety for adults and children, as well as for overall expansion of programming and services. Crompton also relates that the committee will be approaching area businesses and private individuals to contribute to the campaign. He additionally explains that there is a genuine concern about being in an era of diminishing funding from government sources and grants from private foundations which makes the campaign vital to the future sustainability of the Southampton Free Library.

Kimberly Ingram, Director of the Southampton Free Library says, “The library has served as a community living room, a focal point for social, educational and special events. It has been a cornerstone of the community bringing families together over the years of operation.”

Ingram notes that with the Capital and Endowment funds we will be able to reorganize our children’s area with new upgrades in furniture, new computer hardware and software and more. In addition, the library will replace all of the adult seating throughout, purchase new end panels and space efficient book shelves, a new magazine display, and provide new computers for adults. Also the community room requires a total modernization which includes refurbishing the kitchen and restrooms.

“We need the public’s  and  business community’s support in order to be able to continue to provide services and programming at such a high level within a safe, comfortable and relaxing physical environment,” she states.