Rye Company to Donate Up to $100,000 for Harrison Library Renovations

The Harrison Public Library Foundation announced Tuesday that Jarden Corporation, a maker of consumer products, has pledged a $100,000 grant to help renovate the Downtown Harrison Public Library, according to a release from the library. The grant will take the form of a matching challenge, and Jarden will contribute $1 for every $2 contributed by the local corporate community up to $100,000. 

Martin E. Franklin, Executive Chairman of Jarden Corporation, based in Rye, explained that his firm supports the renovation because the area is home to many of its employees and is "just steps away" from Jarden's corporate headquarters. 

"To the dozens of other large companies nearby, we challenge you to make similar gifts to the Library," said Franklin in the release.

The Harrison Public Library, located at 2 Bruce Avenue, has been a hub in town for more than 100 years, but is in need of renovation, according to the library release. With the help of donations, the library hopes to upgrade infrastructure, improve technology and expand square footage to accommodate the town’s growing population.

Specifically, the planned renovations will include the addition of 41 computer stations and a community room with state-of-the-art TV studio equipment, a small stage and a surround-sound speaker system for musical performances, lectures, art exhibits and film screenings, according to the release. In addition, the renovated Library will feature a new “Marmot Teen Center," named after the line of high-performance apparel and equipment owned by Jarden.

In addition to the corporate contributions from Jarden, according to the library release, The Harrison Library Foundation has secured contributions from the Richard E. Halperin Memorial Fund ($1.2M), The Town of Harrison ($1.1M) and a NY State Construction Grant ($73k). An additional $1.1 million is needed to complete the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2014, requiring fundraising completion by October 2013.

For more information on the Harrison Library Foundation and how to make a contribution, please visit: http://www.hplf.org/