Library to get funding by the book

Library to get funding by the book
By Melissa Murphy/ MMurphy@TheReporter.com
Posted: 03/07/2009

Plans have yet to be finalized for a new Dixon Public Library, but a major contributor has already stepped in to help with funding.

Dixon residents, John and Angelina McKinsey, through Martin Pearl Publishing, have pledged to donate 10 percent of the retail price for every copy of John's book, The Lincoln Secret, that's sold between December 2008 and December 2010.

"It just makes sense for us," Angelina said. "My husband is extremely passionate about libraries and we're always looking to give back."

"Growing up, I craved my time in my hometown library," John said in a press release. "It was one part sanctuary and one part exploration. I read, I learned and I matured in my library and I feel that all children should have access to a safe and secure library filled with books and other resources to explore their world."

In addition, the publishing company will donate $1 million if one million books are sold.

Angelina explained that it would result in nearly $2.4 million to help fund the new library.

"It's not unrealistic to do that in two years," she said. "This is something everybody can benefit from."

Gregg Atkins, librarian for the Dixon Public Library District, couldn't say enough about the generous gift.

"It's the most wonderful thing I've heard," he said about the donation. "It will be a catalyst for all other giving. It's definitely a starting point."

Atkins knows first hand how desperate Dixon's only library is in need of space. The current library is almost 100 years old and is vastly undersized for its community. Right now there is only 6,000 square feet of public accessible space and according to Atkins they've run out of space-saving solutions.

He explained that a 32,000 square foot building is needed and judging by today's prices a new library of that size could cost as much as $16 million.

The reason for the expense includes a building that is seismically retrofitted in case of an earthquake with floors that can withstand the weight of the books.

To pay for such a state-of-the-art facility, Atkins is looking to the community for funds and could be approaching the voters with a bond measure sometime in the next few years.

"We have a lot of work ahead of us," he said. "It's certainly easier to think about with such a generous donation."

Atkins added that the McKinseys have really stepped forward to be a long-term partner with the library.

According to www.thelincolnsecret.com, The Lincoln Secret is "a historical mystery adventure novel set in modern day America. Founded upon several historical theories about Abraham Lincoln and about the Civil War, the novel takes you through Abraham Lincoln's life and death as the main characters try to unravel a mystery left over from those days."

The book is available at Bounty Books in Vacaville, www.amazon.com or at Borders in Davis.

Angelina also is encouraging businesses in Dixon to carry the book, so far it's available at Firehouse Cafe, 180 West A St.

"I would like to see it be a really nice library," Angelina added. "Libraries are for everybody, it doesn't exclude anyone."