BEYOND BOOKS, the campaign to raise private funds to support the expansion and renovation of the Boyden Library, is launching the Public Phase of its $750,000 Capital Campaign. 

BEYOND BOOKS, led by a town-wide group of local residents, seeks donations of private and corporate funds  to complete and enhance the $11,675,000 library project.

The project includes a complete renovation of the existing 20,000 square foot library and a 14,000 square foot expansion featuring a new upper level children's library affectionately called the "Tree House" by library staff and Trustees. The new library will open in the spring of 2013.

“The goal of the Beyond Books campaign is to fund enhanced library operations, promote library patronage, and improve civic pride in this remarkable new facility,” says Jerry Cirillo, Boyden Library director and Beyond Books committee member.

Said David Crimmins, Beyond Books Treasurer and Board Member of the Friends of the Boyden Library: “The ‘new’ Boyden is going to be a great asset and point of pride for Foxborough, and this grass roots campaign will boost comfort, enjoyment, and usability for all library patrons.”

The Town of Foxborough and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners have funded the great majority of the project with almost $11,000,000 in state and local funds. 

In 2010, the Boyden Library Trustees committed to a public/private partnership to enable the project to move forward in difficult economic times.

“A private sector, citizen based component was part of the plan from the start,” says Jeff Lovely, chairman of the Board of Trustees and Beyond Books committee member. “And now is the time – these final funds are needed to complete the project and enhance the library with high-quality, long-lasting furnishings and amenities, including upgraded technology to meet the evolving information needs of Foxborough citizens and library patrons.”

BEYOND BOOKS has received tremendous support from the community to date, raising over 70 percent of its $750,000 goal in its “silent phase.”

The campaign now expands to all members of the public who want to show their support and help the town achieve this historic milestone.

“Foxborough has a robust tradition of private giving to its public library,” says local author and town historian Jack Authelet. “The original Boyden Library in the late 1960s was largely enabled by private gifts of cash and real estate.”

BEYOND BOOKS offers naming opportunities for various spaces and areas at the new library. Donations of over $500 for individuals, or $1,000 for businesses, will be publicly acknowledged in a permanent display in the new library.

Donors at all levels will receive the personal thanks of the Committee and will be recognized in the final report of the  Capital Campaign Committee, which will be permanently displayed at the library.

Donations to “Beyond Books Capital Campaign” can be dropped off at the library, or sent to P.O. 667, Foxborough MA 02035.

For more information, e-mail beyondbooksfoxboro@gmail.com or call (774) 300-9045.