Support Our Downtown Library
Campaign Goals
$3 Million
The Friends’ New Downtown Library Capital Campaign Goal
$1,907,720
Add your gift and see this number climb! (Updated every 48 hours)
This New Library Belongs To You. No matter your capacity to give, when you make a contribution to the new Downtown Library, your investment is meaningful and recognized.
As Santa Cruz continues to evolve, you are part of a shared vision for a thriving community center. That vision includes everyone who is served by our library system and here in Santa Cruz we appreciate that includes our wide range of perspectives and generations.
Whether you have been a library supporter from way back or you are making your first gift today, the Friends recognize you are getting in on the ground floor of a new movement. You are here from the beginning, Original Friend.
Naming Opportunities
Honor your family’s contributions or recognize someone passionate about our libraries with a Naming Opportunity in the new library. Contact us for more information.
Naming gifts from $1,000+ are displayed on the prominent Donor Wall.
Gifts from $5,000 to $500,000 are displayed in rooms chosen by the donor.
“A new library shows a lot about a community – it shows we are investing in our youth, in our seniors, in our history, and in all members of our community. I have always believed and know that libraries change lives. Even during the toughest of times, our community members and neighbors throughout the county have continued on with creating the most democratic of all places — new libraries.” – Donna Meyers, Mayor Emerita, City of Santa Cruz
More Ways to Give
Mail a Check designating “Downtown Campaign” to:
Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries
PO Box 8472, Santa Cruz, CA 95061
Direct a donor advised fund to Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Inc. Our Tax ID is 94-2612557
Receive a corporate match through your workplace with Benevity by searching Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries or “Everyone Can Be a Friend.”
To learn more about donor naming opportunities in the new Downtown Library or for assistance with donating stocks or Planned Giving, contact Sarah Beck by clicking here..
The Friends Have a History of Success
In June 2016, voters approved Measure S, the Community Facilities District Library Bond to modernize, upgrade, replace and repair local libraries.
Since 2016, Nine of our ten Santa Cruz Public Library Branches have been renovated or rebuilt.
The Friends’ Realizing the Promise Capital Campaigns raised over 2.6 million dollars to supplement library bond Measure S tax dollars between 2020-2023 – bridging the gap to fully realize our community’s vision for accessible facilities that provide up to date resources and services. The Friends’ fundraising contributed to the successful renovation and reopening of five library branches.
Since beginning a quiet phase in summer 2024, the new Downtown Library Capital Campaign has so far raised more than 60% of its $3M goal. Everyone in our community can now take part in ensuring the success and long term stewardship of this incredible civic building and center of community.
Project information and future construction updates from the City of Santa Cruz can be found here.
The images and design renderings shown here are for illustrative purposes only, actual materials & final construction design may vary. All renderings courtesy of Jayson Architecture.