Ilsley Public Library Raises $6 Million in Charitable Donations

Press Release  

January 7, 2025 

Ilsley Public Library Raises $6 Million in Charitable Donations 

For the last five years, the Ilsley Public Library has undertaken an immense project to renovate and expand its facilities. The Ilsley 100 Project Team anticipated that funding for the project would come from multiple sources, including a significant portion from private charitable donations. During the Middlebury Selectboard meeting on January 7, Dana Hart, Library Director, announced that the Ilsley Public Library had reached a total of $6 million dollars in charitable gifts and pledges. 

“I am thrilled to announce that we have met our initial fundraising goal of $6 million,” said Ms. Hart. “I am so grateful to all 181 individuals and organizations that have donated to this capital campaign, as well as the dedication of the capital campaign committee, the Ilsley 100 Project Team, and countless library volunteers, staff, Friends of the Library, trustees, and supporters who pitched in.” 

Ken Perine, former president of the National Bank of Middlebury and member of the Ilsley 100 Project Team, commented, “When we developed a funding plan for the library project, we focused on minimizing the impact on taxpayers.  Strong support from a public fundraising effort was key to that plan.  It is incredibly humbling to see the extraordinary response to supporting our library, given all the important societal needs that deserve support.” Mr. Perine continued, “This community has demonstrated time after time that it will step up to make sure we maintain a strong and vibrant fabric for its citizens today and into the future. 

The top three contributors to the Ilsley Public Library renovation project have been identified as Eleanor and David Ignat, Middlebury College, and Cindy and Michael Seligmann. 

“I want to offer special thanks and acknowledgement to David and Eleanor Ignat, whose generosity and unwavering support was critical at both the beginning and end of this campaign,” said Ms. Hart. “The Ignat’s gift galvanized our philanthropic community, and our community will benefit for years to come thanks to them.” 

According to Ms. Hart, the Isley Public Library will continue to accept charitable gifts and will apply for grant funding, in order to further reduce the amount of publicly funded lending necessary for the project. Current cost projections are estimated to be $17 million in total. The project is expected to break ground in April of 2025. During construction the temporary library will be located at the Duclos Building at 30 Main St, and the Sarah Partridge branch will have expanded hours.