Architect and Rotarian Uwe Schulz, advisor on the renovation of Lahaina Public Library, meets with committee co-chairs Sara Foley (left) and Librarian Madeleine Buchanan.

LAHAINA – The fundraising campaign of the Maui Friends of the Library, with help from the Rotary Club of Lahaina, to renovate Lahaina Public Library got a major boost last week with receipt of a $30,000 grant from Hawaii’s Atherton Family Foundation.

This part of the three-phase project involves remodeling the interior of the library. It is the largest of the initiatives planned with an estimated cost of $280,000.

Rotarian Sara Foley, Maui Friends of the Library board member and head of fundraising, said, “We are thrilled. The grant guarantees that we will be able to move the interior renovation project to completion with just a little more financial help from the community.”

The Atherton Family Foundation “is one of the largest endowed grant making private resources in the State of Hawaii devoted exclusively to support of charitable activities,” according to its recent annual report.

Atherton joins a long list of contributors, including contractors who have indicated they will provide construction and other services at no cost.

Key prior contributors, many identified for the first time, include Lahaina Rotary Club, $15,200 from a 2011 benefit; Maui Friends of the Library, $12,300; Kaanapali Beach Hotel, $3,000; Peter and Debra Martin Foundation, $2,000; Ho’ile House Bed and Breakfast, $500; and individual contributors, $8,000

In addition, the North Beach West Maui Fund purchased two security systems for $50,000. With the improved security, both doors to the library could be opened for improved circulation.

The island’s contractors and providers of services will be absorbing more than half of the $280,000 project. These include: Interior Designer Rick Cowan, Archipelago Maui (all design and project management); Uwe Schulz (architectural and permitting counsel); Colin Lunt, Cutting Edge Manufacturing (all cutting of wood for new bookcases); Contractor John Miller, GC Pacific Inc. (construction services, circulation desk); Contractor John Hassett, Hassett Construction (construction services); Contractor Loren Osborn, Castaway Construction & Restoration (tile floor removal); Contractor Randy Sirois, R.V.S. Construction (concrete floor finishing); Painting Contractor Tom Scott, Scott Brothers (painting services); Painting Contractor Steve Steamer Johnson, Steamer’s Painting Inc. (painting services); The Westin Resort and Spa, General Manager Gregg Lundberg (partial purchase of paint); James Doran, Ceramic Tile Plus (cabinet and granite materials); Norm Bezane and Sara Foley, Maui Communicators Public Relations (communication materials and publicity); 5A Rent-a-Space (storage); Aloha Waste Systems (discounted services for waste removal); and Landscaper Shawn McLaughlin, Garden View Landscaping (all landscape planning).

Construction is expected to take place in July, following the move of 35,000 books and other materials to storage.

When completed, the renovated library will feature a modern new circulation desk, improved flooring, new bookcases, new layout and painting throughout.

Foley noted that there is a “need for volunteers to help coordinate project details and carry out the many tasks that must be completed before construction can begin.” People interested in volunteering or contributing can reach Foley at 667-0589 or sara@mauicommunicators.com.

Individuals interested in contributing can send checks to MFOL (Maui Friends of the Library) for the Lahaina Public Library to P.O. Box 1017, Wailuku, HI 96793, or drop them off at the Maui Friends of the Library Bookstore on the third floor of The Wharf Cinema Center.

Maui Friends of the Library is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible.