Anonymous Donor Takes Irrigon Library From School Bus to New Building

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By Rudabeh Shahbazi

Summary

The library will be built next to City Hall, thanks to an anonymous donor and foundation grants.

Story Published: Mar 31, 2008 at 6:20 PM PST

IRRIGON-- The Oregon Trail Library District hopes to have a new state-of-the-art library next year.

So far, the book collection has been housed in an old renovated school bus. And while the library may not look glamorous on the outside, Irrigonians have come to love the cozy quarters.

But they were excited to hear that an anonymous donor put in $50,000 to help build a brand new library. If the community matches that donation, the donor will contribute another $50,000. Then $75,000 came in from the Collins Foundation and $250,000 from the Ford Family Foundation.

"I'm excited because patrons come in, very many people come in and bring donations, and say 'We really want the library!'" said Olena Richardson, an assistant librarian.

They've planned the new library site next to the new City Hall.