FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cindy Deppe, media relations, 641-269-4834

May 23, 2008

GRINNELL COLLEGE COMPLETES DRAKE COMMUNITY LIBRARY PLEDGE

GRINNELL, IA -Grinnell College has completed its $100,000 cash commitment to the new Drake Community Library ahead of schedule. Amy Kalkbrenner, interim director of community enhancement, said the college chose to make the early payment on its pledge to assist with the project's cash flow as the construction phase begins.

"The college supported the early library fundraising effort with land donations so it's appropriate that we also complete our pledge just prior to the groundbreaking of this long-awaited new facility," Kalkbrenner said. Last summer, the college donated four parcels of property valued at $330,000 at the corner of 5th and Park, where groundbreaking for the Drake Community Library will take place on Thursday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m.

The new library is named for George and Susan Drake, in honor of the couple's longtime support of the city's public library. George Drake served as president of Grinnell College from 1979-1992 and is professor emeritus of history. Sue Drake has been associated with Stewart Library since the Drakes raised their family in the community. The Drakes are both alumni of Grinnell College.

The college has also made commitments to other ongoing community projects:

$200,000 toward the new Public Safety Building underway at the corner of 6th and Spring
$250,000 to the newly renovated high school science facilities
$25,000 to Grinnell Renaissance for downtown façade improvement and business loans
$25,000 to Poweshiek Iowa Development's revolving loan fund for new and expanding businesses

Each of these pledges represents projects that the college felt strongly we should be a part of," Kalkbrenner said. "We're pleased to be part of the community's growth and development."

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