Restoration next steps: foundation reports 80% of funding raised and schedules a third community workshop

Representatives for the Carmel Public Library Foundation (CPLF) told trustees the foundation is nearing its fundraising goal for the Harrison Memorial Library restoration and that community engagement on design options continues.

A foundation representative said, “CPLF is rapidly progressing towards meeting our fundraising goal and ensuring this project gets completed as expeditiously as possible. We've raised approximately 80% of the funding now.” The foundation also outlined upcoming public events tied to the restoration project and the foundation’s speaker series.

The foundation and city are coordinating outreach: the foundation is presenting a local-history lecture at Carpenter Hall and scheduled a project community workshop on Nov. 10 at Carpenter Hall in which the project architect, Moore Bridal Udell, will present an updated summary of design options gathered from prior workshops. Attendees at prior workshops numbered about 60–64, and table discussions had been fully attended, the foundation representative said.

Trustees and staff said community feedback has consistently emphasized maintaining the building’s historic character, preserving the collection, and creating flexible, efficient spaces. Interim library director Melinda Cervantes, new to the role, said she has attended several meetings and hopes to apply prior renovation experience to the project.

The foundation representative said trustees and the community can find summaries of earlier engagement on the project web page, and city and foundation staff are exchanging links to consolidate materials.

The trustees received the foundation’s progress report and noted the upcoming schedule of public programs and workshops.