It goes almost without saying, but constructing a new library building takes money – quite a bit of it. The initial designs for expanding and updating the Delavan Library indicated this would be an $11.3 million project.
City studies of how this amount could be financed showed at least $1 million would need to be raised from the community. However, a 2020 feasibility study by McDonald-Schaefer Consultants suggested any fundraising campaign likely could not secure more than $418,000 given Delavan’s population and its economic demographics. Nevertheless, in 2021 the City elected to proceed with the project, setting a goal of raising at least $1 million from private donors.
The Delavan Aram Public Library Foundation (DAPLF) has been raising funds for the past five years to help the City meet that goal. They are very proud of what has been accomplished. As of May 10, 2026, the Foundation has received donations or pledges that total almost $1.43 million!
• Donations range from $20 over $400,000 from about 150 donors
• 85% of the donors are private individuals, 9% local businesses and the remaining 6% community organizations
• 60% of the donations are at a level that qualifies for a “Named Gift Opportunity.” These gifts allow for the donor to be recognized for supporting a specific library room, area or item(s) in the new building or outside.
The Delavan community has been very generous. This reflects the strong community support found in the Feasibility Study:
“The vast majority of respondents (94%) indicated support for the plans to renovate and expand APL. They agreed that the library is overcrowded, outdated and in need of a transformation into a 21st -century library to continue to serve as a community hub.”
Fundraising has progressed steadily since DAPLF launched the capital campaign in mid-2021. Besides general solicitations, there have been 30 fundraising activities and one special initiative titled “Women with Words” to raise $50,000 for a large Art Gallery wall. Current activity includes seeking funds for two outdoor solar “charging” benches (useful when your power goes out!), art supplies for the Makerspace (soon to be named “The Garage”) and, of course, new books!
Interested in making a donation? See ideas below or reach out to Michelle Carter, Director, at mcarter@delvanlibrary.org. Don’t forget to follow the building construction progress at our blog!
(Pictured from left): Wayne “Ozzie” Osborn, DAPLF President; John Grober, DAPLF Treasurer; Katherine Schoofs, Delavan Public Library Assistant Director & Youth Services Librarian; Linda Zell, President Library Board Trustee; Michelle Carter, Delavan Public Library Director; Mayor Ryan Schroeder; Karen Sempf, City Adlerperson & Library Board Trustee; and Nick Griffin, City of Delavan Administrator.