The library began a campaign to raise $740,000 in 2003 and succeeded in raising $520,000 by July 2005, according to the January 31 Reading Eagle. When bids for the work came in September, however, the lowest were just under $1 million. The library later revised the project to include only an expansion and parking lot, but the lowest bids were still $680,000. MaryAnne Beamesderfer, cochair of the library’s fundraising campaign, said that prices were higher than expected after Hurricane Katrina, and that the architects warned her that construction costs could increase by 20% this year.
“Desperation and necessity” inspired the idea to sell naming rights, Trustee Nancy G. Chamberlain said. “Everything is done on the internet now.”
The auction is open until February 9. It is item number 5661806990 on the Ebay site.
Posted February 3, 2006.