[press release]
APRL To Complete Permanent Library Project
On August 18th, 2014, the Board of Trustees of the American Philatelic Research Library unanimously approved a plan to complete the permanent library and other facilities in the American Philatelic Center in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Slated for completion are 19,500 square feet of library space as well as newly built-out spaces for the APS Gift shop and APS Heritage Room. [On the right is an architect’s rendering of what the new library area may look like.]
The APRL Trustees authorized the negotiation of a construction loan with First National Bank, followed by permanent financing which will be repaid by the rents paid by third party commercial tenants in the APC complex. A team led by APRL and APS Treasurers Bruce Marsden and Ken Nilsestuen and including other members of the joint Finance Committee concluded that this project financing approach was affordable.
The APRL Trustees also directed staff to engage the project architects to prepare bid packages to be distributed to potential construction contractors.
APRL President Roger Brody noted, “The culmination of this 12 year project has been supported by APRL and APS officers and board members over more than a decade and has been made possible by significant donations from hundreds of Society members. We are hopeful that the excitement generated by the completion of the project will motivate more donors to help towards reducing the amount of permanent financing required at the completion of the project.”
In noting that the Campaign for Philately has identified numerous facility naming opportunities at different giving levels, APRL Treasurer Bruce Marsden said, “Donors who are interested in receiving permanent recognition in the completed library facility will want to act quickly.” More details about legacy naming opportunities are available in the “Preserving the Past… Building the Future” brochure which can be downloaded at http://stamps.org/userfiles/
Centrally located in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, the American Philatelic Research Library is the largest non-governmental repository of books, periodicals, and other media relating to stamp collecting and postal history in the world. Sharing 31,000 U.S. and international members with its sister organization, the American Philatelic Society, the APRL supports exhibitions and educational programs which are designed to enhance the joys of philately. More information about both organizations can be found at http://www.stamps.org.
For more information contact Tary Murray at tmurray@stamps.org
