"Six Nations Library Gala Raises Funds for Library and Band Building"

The Six Nations Public Library (SNPL) is adding another $25,000 to their coffers after a sold out fundraising gala last Friday.

"It was very very good. We were really happy with it," said Sabrina Saunders. SNPL president.

The public library is heading a fund raising drive to raise $15 million to put up a multi-purpose building that will house a new library, three band departments and the Ohsweken Genealogy Society.

Saunders received donations Friday from;

- K.L. Martin and Associate's Engineering Corp $5000

- Alison Martin of Red Indian $500

- Jeff Burnham of Goodminds.com donated the $610 he won in a 50/50 draw.

Saunders said the gala was a hit with entertainment from the First Nations Youth Choir and Pappy Johns Band.

Architectural plans of the $16 million new library were presented. The designs are about 80 percent complete and will be shovel-ready by summer, the crowd of over 200 heard.

Saunders is hoping to secure at least two thirds or $10 million in grants from the provincial and federal governments.

Since 2010 just under $45,000 has been raised. The building is expected to cost $15 million, while furnishings and "anything with wires" will run another $600,000, said Saunders.

She said the $45,000 raised so far will go exclusively toward the $600,000 cost of the interior.

The new, 50,000 square foot building, will be built on a three acre space on Fourth Line next to the baptists church.

It will also provide a room for the Ohsweken Genealogy Society, and three council departments including Records Management, Lands and Membership, and Lands and Resources.

There will also be a language lab, a teen room, climate controlled record storage, a lecture hall, and a computer lab.

The three acre lot was purchased by council.

Council has also ear­marked $650,000 for contributions to the library, which have included a feasibility study and ongoing architectural fees, and have committed to paying the costs of a road to the building which could cost $1 million.

Earlier this year, the Library Board approached the Six Nations Community Trust and asked for $ 1 million from capital trust funds, which would lower interest received by the trust by about $50,000 annually. Currently the trust receives about $500,000 in interest.

Saunders said there has been no word from the trust, but hundreds of letters of support have been sent in. She said the trust is still gauging community interest.

Recently the One Million Penny Campaign wrapped up, and a second campaign is being launched in hopes of raising an additional excited with the event, a $10,000.

Saunders is more satisfied with the turnout of the gala. "We were really excited with the event, a number of people asked if it was an annual event."

She said another one is definitely in the works.