The Community Comes Together to Build Our Library’s Next Chapter
As progress continues behind the construction fencing at the corner of Sunrise Way and Baristo Road in Palm Springs, community support continues to build for A New Chapter: Revitalizing Our Palm Springs Public Library. The capital campaign led by the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation (PSPLF) is experiencing the extraordinary generosity of a community that is now investing in one of Palm Springs’ most treasured public institutions.
The library’s $52 million transformation represents the largest investment in its history. Leadership funding came from the City of Palm Springs and the State of California, whose initial financing made this once-in-a-generation renovation possible.
Complementing that investment is the PSPLF’s $7 million capital campaign, which is helping fund enhanced community spaces, technology, innovation, and a long-term endowment. Together, these investments represent a powerful public-private partnership, demonstrating what can happen when government, philanthropy, businesses and residents invest in a shared vision.
Today’s growing list of supporters reflects the extraordinary commitment of individuals, businesses and foundations that believe in the library’s future. Founding support was provided by the Friends of the Palm Springs Public Library, whose longstanding commitment will be recognized through the renaming of the J.C. Frey Building.
Pillar donors include the Jane Lykken Hoff Endowment Fund at the Inland Empire Community Foundation; Karla Kjellin-Elder and Jeff Elder; the Lamb Family Foundation, and an anonymous donor. At the Partner level, donors are Deborah Schwarz in memory of Joanne Schwarz; Eric and Vivian Chiel; Ken Pengelly and David Engen; Jim Gray, Bernard Rottner and Betty Rae Smith. Donors at this level receive naming rights for their contributions.
Donors receiving naming rights at the Builder level include: Anderson Children’s Foundation; BIGHORN Cares; The Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation; Sue Burnside; Mike Fedderson and Tom McClay; Ron Florance; Jack Fitzsimmons and Walter Gendell; Jessica and Gary Grace; Kevin E. Harrigan and Joel Preston; Amb. (Ret.) David Huebner and Dr. Duane McWaine; Sara Rutenberg; as well as Dr. Elizabeth Smalley and Garth Gilpin.
With major support also coming from David Brinkman; Christy Cook and Michael Frankis; Terry Dean; Timothy Hohmeier; Ed McBride and Tad Green; Laura (Lolly) Mitchell; Jeffrey Norman; Priscilla Ostrowski; Wendy and Steve Rubin; Carol and David Tallichet; Steve Tobin, Johnny Krupa and the Goodwin Family Memorial Trust; Kevin and Nancy Ventrudo; and William and Pamela Wylie.
More than 40 donations have been made at the Friend level, with several anonymous and in-kind gifts received at every giving level. Those early contributions unlocked the Palm Springs Public Library Board of Trustees’ commitment to match the campaign’s first $1 million raised, doubling the impact of donor support. Today, the campaign stands at $2.2 million since its official launch in October 2025. This generosity reflects a shared belief that libraries remain essential places where people of every age can learn, explore, create and connect.
Behind the campaign is an active Foundation Board made up of 26 community leaders, along with a distinguished Campaign Honorary Committee whose members are helping expand awareness through their personal relationships, professional networks and businesses. Their leadership continues to inspire others to become part of the campaign.
Every contribution—whether from government, foundations, businesses or individual donors—is helping create a library designed for the future: one that expands opportunities for learning, creativity, technology, and community connection while preserving one of Palm Springs’ most cherished civic landmarks. To learn more about the transformation and how to contribute to the next chapter of the Palm Springs Public Library, visit nextchapter.pslibraryfoundation.org.
