A photo of the check presentation can be found at http://budurl.com/LibUSBank (from left to right: Joe Imbs, Regional Chairman and St. Louis Market President of U.S. Bank in St. Louis; Alison Ferring and Tom Schlafly, co-chairs for the Central To Your World Capital Campaign; and Rick Simoncelli, president of the St. Louis Public Library Foundation).

Commenting on the gift, Joe Imbs, Regional Chairman and St. Louis Market President for U.S. Bank, said, “We are proud to play a role in the creation of a new, revitalized downtown Central Library. U.S. Bank and its 3,900-plus employees working in more than 110 branches and other facilities throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area are very pleased to support this major downtown redevelopment project. We believe that by sponsoring an expanded computer center and new technology within the library, our gift will have the greatest impact for library users, especially the hundreds of thousands of St. Louis school children who use the St. Louis Public Library on a regular basis."

The capital campaign for the St. Louis Public Library, Central To Your World, is a $20 million philanthropic effort to support the $70 million total restoration and revitalization of the main library, which occupies a full city block between Locust and Olive Streets, and 13th and 14th Streets downtown. Alison Nichols Ferring and Thomas F. Schlafly serve as the campaign's co-chairpersons.

"We are grateful to U.S. Bank for this major gift and its generous support of this key downtown project," said Rick Simoncelli, president of the St. Louis Public Library Foundation. "Their gift, along with donations from other St. Louis corporations, businesses, foundations and individuals, is making it possible to restore on of St. Louis' great buildings, which serves as the hub for our system wide operations. Central Library was designed by Cass Gilbert, who served as architect for many of America's finest buildings, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Our library is one of America's great architectural treasures."

On January 6, the St. Louis Public Library celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the initial opening of Central Library., a 1912 event attended by more than 1,000 civic leaders and donors. In 1901, industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie gave a gift of $1 million to the city of St. Louis to build a great city library. Carnegie designated $500,000 for a downtown central library and the other $500,000 to build citywide branches. (In today's dollars, Carnegie's gift would be worth $24.3 million.) Since the total cost to build the original Central was to be $2 million, the citizens of St. Louis accepted the challenge and raised the remaining $1.5 million in donations.

“Just as it did in 1912, the Central Library project represents a true partnership between the City of St. Louis, philanthropists, local corporations, foundations and the citizens of St. Louis," added Simoncelli. "In May we will launch the community phase of our campaign, providing everyone with an opportunity to join in supporting this important project. Together, St. Louisans are making the dream for a revitalized library and downtown community center a reality."

Central Library closed for construction in June 2010 and librarians will begin to move materials back into the facility this summer. In addition to the new Locust Street Atrium, which will house the new computer center, the project includes a 65 percent increase of space for public use, expanded children’s and teen rooms, a lower-level auditorium and other amenities, including a café. Book lending and all other library services continue to be available during construction through the St. Louis Public Library's 16 other locations. 

The refurbished Central Library will kick off its Centennial Celebration and preview the building  at The Central To Your World Gala on Saturday,, Nov. 17, 2012. For event sponsorship information or to order tickets, visit http://www.slplfoundation.orgor call 314.340.2403. 

The construction team includes CLR LLC, development consultant; Cannon Design, architect; and BSI Constructors, construction manager. Central Library is among the largest construction projects in downtown St. Louis and is being funded through library resources, bond financing, tax credits and the St. Louis Public Library Foundation's capital campaign.

About U.S. Bank

U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB), with $341 billion in assets as of March 31, 2012, is the parent company of U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The company operates 3,080 banking offices in 25 states and 5,061 ATMs and provides a comprehensive line of banking, brokerage, insurance, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. U.S. Bancorp and its employees are dedicated to improving the communities they serve, for which the company earned the 2011 Spirit of America Award, the highest honor bestowed on a company by United Way. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.

About the St. Louis Public Library

Ranked #2 in the nation, the St. Louis Public Library has 17 locations across the city and sees more than 2.3 million visitors each year. The Library has more than 4.7 million books and items in its collection and more than 83,000 library cardholders. For more information about the St. Louis Public Library and its services, visit www.slpl.org.

About the St. Louis Public Library Foundion

Created in 1989, the St. Louis Public Library Foundation supports the St. Louis Public Library's programs and services through advocacy, fundraising and building relationships with others who share a passion for the library's work. For information or to learn how you can support Central Library, visit www.slplfoundation.org or call Rick Simoncelli at 314.539.0360.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:

Jan. 6, 2012

Released for:

St. Louis Public Library Foundation/The Trio Foundation

for more info:

Barbara Pierce, HLK, 314.580.8593 (cell) or bpierce@hlkagency.com or

Rick Simoncelli, 314.539.0360 or rsimoncelli@slplfoundation.org

The Trio Foundation Donates $100,000 to Downtown Central Library Project

Gift to support $70M revitalization of St. Louis Public Library’s Central Branch: 100 Years Old Today

ST. LOUIS – Today, the St. Louis Public Library Foundation announced a $100,000 gift from The Trio Foundation of St. Louis to the Library Foundation’s Central To Your World capital campaign, a $20 million philanthropic effort to support the $70 million total restoration and revitalization of the main library. The gift was announced by Alison Nichols Ferring, co-chair of the St. Louis Public Library Foundation’s Central to Your World capital campaign, at a morning event commemorating the original opening of Central Library on Jan. 6, 1912, in downtown St. Louis.

“The Trio Foundation of St. Louis shares the St. Louis Public Library’s vision for a revitalized and new Central Library for all St. Louisans to enjoy,” said Wendy Jaffe, executive director of The Trio Foundation of St. Louis. “Over the years, we’ve been proud to support the library’s children’s education and GED programs. This gift is our further investment in education and the library’s many fine programs.”

Central Library closed in June 2010 and is expected to re-open in late 2012 to kick off its Centennial celebration. Meanwhile, book lending and all other library services continue to be available during construction through the St. louis Public Library's 16 other locations. The construction team includes CLR LLC, development consultant; Cannon Design, architect; and BSI Constructors, construction manager.

Originally opened on Jan. 6, 1912, Central Library was designed by Cass Gilbert and built with funds from Andrew Carnegie and the citizens of St. louis. The St. Louis Public Library's massive 3.5 million items of the 4.7 million-piece collection were moved off-site and staff was relocated earlier this year to make way for construction crews. 

Central Library is among the largest construction projects in downtown St. Louis and is being funded through library resources, bond financing, tax credits and the St. Louis Public Library Foundation's capital campaign, which, as of today has reached $15.1 million.

Remarking on the gift, capital campaign co-chair, Alison Nichols Ferring, said, “It is gratifying to have the support of The Trio Foundation of St Louis. This major gift takes us over our three-quarter mark, which is a significant milestone in our campaign. Now we’re asking St. Louisans to join us by making their individual pledges and donations. Together, our campaign goal of $20 million will be realized.” Ferring said the year-long community phase of the campaign will culminate with the Grand Reopening Gala on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012.

About The Trio Foundation

The Trio Foundation of St. Louis is a family foundation based in St. Louis, Missouri. The Foundation was founded in 1990 by Dorothy Ross Moog with the intention of involving her three grown children in common philanthropic endeavors. She also felt strongly about sharing the success that she and her husband Hubert “Hub” C. Moog achieved through Hub’s leadership at Moog Industries, an automotive manufacturing business. The Trio Foundation of St. Louis values community enhancement, fulfillment of human potential and ecological well-being. The foundation expresses these values through supporting programs that promote independence, equality of opportunity, creativity and environmental preservation. For information, call 314.725.3040 or email: trio@triostl.org.

About the St. Louis Public Library

Ranked #2 in the nation, the St. Louis Public Library has 17 locations across the city and sees more than 2.3 million visitors each year. The Library has more than 4.7 million books and items in its collection and more than 70,000 library cardholders. For more information about the St. Louis Public Library and its services visit www.slpl.org.

About the St. Louis Public Library Foundation

Created in 1989, the Library Foundation supports the St. Louis Public Library's programs and services through fundraising and building relationships with others who share a passion for the library's work. For information or to learn how you can support Central Library, visit www.slplfoundation.org or call Rick Simoncelli at 314.539.0360.

Gerald Brooks

Office:  (314) 539-0315

Cell:  (314) 662-1950

OR

Barbara Pierce, HLK

Cell:  314-580-8593

bpierce@hlkagency.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                       December 21, 2011

St. Louis Public Library

HOSTS SYSTEM-WIDE CELEBRATION OF CENTRAL LIBRARY Centennial

ST. LOUIS, MO...… The St. Louis Public Library is proud to announce that it will host a system-wide celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the dedication of Central Library.  The daylong celebration takes place on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Branches throughout the city will host centennial programs and events including storytellers, musicians, displays and children's activities. All programs begin at 2 p.m. and are FREE and open to the public.

• Baden: Gary Snook will perform musical pieces from the 1912 era, while visitors view an exhibit displaying gracious living circa 1912. Baden Branch is located at 8448 Church Road.
• Barr: Annette Harrison will tell stories about the wonders of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Historic photos of central Library over the past 100 years will be available for viewing. Barr Branch is located at 1701 South Jefferson Avenue.
• Buder: Visitors will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Central Library in the background to keep as a souvenir. In addition, adult bestsellers and children’s classics from the era will be on display. Buder Branch is located at 4401 Hampton Avenue.
• Cabanne: Loretta Washington will tell stories about the experiences of the first female African-American bank president, Maggie Lena Walker. Visitors can also view an exhibit that consists of early educational materials used in 1912 from the Carondelet Historical Society collection. Cabanne Branch is located at 1106 Union Boulevard.
• Carpenter: The Gateway LEGO Users Group will be on hand building a replica of Central Library with LEGOs. Visitors will be invited to assist in building the replica starting at 2 p.m. Historic photos of Central Library over the past 100 years will be available for viewing. Carpenter Branch is located at 3309 South Grand Boulevard.
• Central Express: Jocelyn Rugaber will entertain with music from the early 1900s. Historic photos of Central Library over the past 100 years will be available for viewing. Central Express is located at 815 Olive Street, Suite 160.
• Charing Cross: Mini-games and activities will be available for children. Charing Cross is located at 356 North Skinker Boulevard.
•  Divoll: P’Tah Williams will perform ragtime music. Visitors can view and exhibit detailing what was happening at the Divoll Branch when Central Library originally opened. Divoll Branch is located at 4234 North Grand Boulevard.
• Julia Davis: Visitors will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with Central Library in the background to keep as a souvenir. An exhibit from the collection of Sue Hinkel showcasing Crayolas (invented in 1903) will be on display. Julia Davis Branch is located at 4415 Natural Bridge Avenue.
• Kingshighway: Dianne Moran will present a story about her grandmother’s arrival in the United States from Poland in early 1900s. Costumes and relics from the period will be available for viewing. A collection of ink bottles from John Hinkel will also be on display. Kingshighway Branch is located at 2260 South Vandeventer Avenue.
• Machacek: Kathy Schottel will sing songs and tell stories about life in the early 1900s. Lionel trains will be on display. Machacek Branch is located at 6424 Scanlan Avenue.
• Marketplace: Mini-games and activities will be available for children. Marketplace is located at 6548 Manchester Avenue.
• Schlafly: Children will have the opportunity to create their own spinning top. Hiroshi Tada will introduce the history of the spinning top and perform a live demonstration. Tops and toys circa 1912 from the Joan Smith collection will be on display. Schlafly Branch is located at 225 North Euclid Avenue.
• Walnut Park: Carole Shelton will portray Annie Malone and describe her life as a businesswoman, inventor and philanthropist. Adult bestsellers and children’s classics from the era will be on display. Walnut Park Branch is located at 5760 West Florissant Avenue.

Officially opened on January 6, 1912, at a ceremony attended by more than 800 civic, community, and business leaders, Central Library was designed by Cass Gilbert and built with funds from Andrew Carnegie and the citizens of St. Louis.

Nearly a century later, in June 2010, Central Library closed for an extensive $70 million restoration and renewal project. The building is expected to re-open in late 2012. During the project all normal Library services have continued to be available at the Library’s 16 Branch locations throughout the city.

During the course of the project, the Library’s massive 4.7 million-item collection was moved off-site, and staff was relocated to make way for construction crews. Seven stories of shelving and flooring were removed in the interior “stacks,” an area that is being transformed into the new Locust Street Atrium entrance. Central Library’s expansive main and other reading rooms are having new life breathed into them through expanded public spaces; new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; restoration of original floors, walls, and ceilings; and enhanced lighting.

The new Central Library will feature an impressive 65 percent increase in public space, state-of-the-art technology, a cafe, new displays, and a 250-seat auditorium carved out of the space that originally housed the building’s coal bin. The St. Louis Public Library is also taking the opportunity to expand the digitization of major portions of its collection.

Central Library is among the largest construction projects in downtown St. Louis and is being funded through Library resources, bond financing, tax credits and the St. louis Public Library Foundation's capital campaign. 

The Central Library Project construction team includes CLR LLC, development consultant; Cannon Design, architect; and BSI Constructors, construction manager.

About the St. louis Public Library

Ranked #2 in the nation, the St. Louis Public Library has 17 locations across the city and serves more than 2.3 million visitors each year. The Library has more than 4.7 million books and items in its collection and more than 70,000 cardholders. For more information about the St. Louis Public Library and its services, visit www.slpl.org.

About the St. Louis Public Library Foundation

Created in 1989, the St. Louis Public Library Foundation supprts the Public Library's programs and services through fundraising and building relationships with others who share a passion for the Library's work. For information or to learn how you can support Central Library, visit www.slplfoundation.org or call Rick Simoncelli at 314.539.0360.

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: Dec. 28, 2011

Released For: St. Louis Public Library Foundation

For more Info.: Barbara Pierce, HLK, 314-571-6296 / bpierce@hlkagency.com or

Elizabeth Reeves, 314-340-2403 / ereeves@slplfoundation.org or

Rick Simoncelli, 314-539-0360 / rsimoncelli@slplfoundation.org

Texts and the City: St. Louis Public Library Foundation’s Gala Raises $210,000

Library Foundation transforms the cold marble of City Hall into a warm inviting place to gather for a night’s fun.

ST. LOUIS – Library Executive Director Waller McGuire and Foundation President Rick Simoncelli welcomed more than 500 guests to the St. Louis Public Library Foundation’s gala, Texts and the City: A Bookish Bash in a Civic Setting, which transformed City Hall into a party venue for the evening.

On Saturday, Nov. 19, guests were called to the party by bucket drummers who provided an urban music element outside on the front steps. The rhythm and beat of the drums drew guests to the event and had them in a party mood long before they entered the door. Once inside, guests found themselves in an eclectic world filled with literary games, costumed characters and Esmerelda who told of their literary past, present and future. A 20-foot-high screen hung high above the dance floor was used to play Texts and the City “Twitterature”, show sneak peek photos of the construction progress at Central Library and a mix of video to accompany the music provided by DJ Crucial.

A highlight of the evening was the Texts and the City raffle to win the use of the winner’s name in best-selling author, John Grisham’s next book. Chances sold for $25. The raffle winner was announced on Dec. 19 Tracy McMillen of Farmington, Mo told the Library Foundation that she is an avid reader and has been a fan of John Grisham's since she was in middle school.

Butler’s Pantry provided the fare, themed to the classic, Around the World in 80 Days. Passed appetizers and food stations represented literary classics with ties to famed cities. Guests enjoyed couscous cakes and lamb meatballs from Ithaca's, The Odyssey, truffled mushroom flatbread and a polenta bar from Venice's Othello, crawfish cakes and smoked brisket from St. Louis' Catfish and Crystal and a selection of whimsical sweets including a salted caramel milkshake shooter from Alice's Wonderland. Schlafly Beer and the Original John Viviano and Sons Grocer on the Hill provided beer and wine and Purus Vodka provided the spirit to create the signature drink of the evening, "the bookworm" served with a gummy worm at the bottom of the glass.

Chairpersons for the evening were Ida H. Early, Ann Perry and Pam Trapp, with Lisa McMullin as the board liaison.

On Saturday, Nov. 19, $210,000 was raised in support of the $70 million restoration and renewal of historic downtown Central Library. The magnificent St. Louis landmark located at 1301 Olive Street in downtown St. Louis was designed by renowned American architect, Cass Gilbert. Central Library closed in June 2010 for construction with plans to reopen in late 2012. The St. Louis Public Library Foundation will host the central Library Grand Reopening Gala on Saturday, November 17, 2012 in time to celebrate Central Library's 100th anniversary year. For more information, visit slplfoundation.org. Photos of the event are available as follows (all photos are ID'd left to right):

http://budurl.com/TextandCity: Jacque Land, Library Board President, with fellow board members Cathy Heimberger and Keith Savage

http://budurl.com/TextandCity2: Tom Tucker, Ulrike Schlafly, Alicia Hurtado and Tom Schlafly

http://budurl.com/TextandCity3: Dionne, Charlotte and Edward Flowers and Jill Flowers Jackson

http://budurl.com/TextandCity4: Event Co-Chairs, Pam Trapp, Ann Perry and Ida H. Early

http://budurl.com/TextandCity5: Tony D’Souza, Jessyka Lee, Alison Ferring, Diane Irvin, Alice Sherwood and George Farish

http://budurl.com/TextandCity6: Susan Barrett, Library Director Waller McGuire, and Margaret McDonald

http://budurl.com/TextandCity7: Alison Ferring and Phillip Slein

About the St. Louis Public Library

Founded in 1865, the St. Louis Public Library is currently ranked as the #2 urban library in the nation. The St. Louis Public Library has 17 locations across the city and sees more than 2.3 million visitors each year. The Library has more than 4.7 million books and items in its collection and more than 70,000 library cardholders. For more information about the St. Louis Public Library and its services, visit www.slpl.org.

About the St. Louis Public Library Foundation

Created in 1989, the Library Foundation supports the St. Louis Public Library's programs and services through fundraising and building relationships with others who share a passion for the library's work. For information or to learn how you can support Central Library, visit www.slplfoundation.org or call Rick Simoncelli at 314.539.0360.

St. Louis, MO – MetLife Foundation has announced a $25,000 grant to the St. Louis Public Library Foundation as part of its 2011 Out-of-School Time Initiative. The Out-of-School Initiative increases access for middle school students so they can participate in a diverse array of activities. Programs can take place before or after school, on weekends or during summer months.

“Middle school is a pivotal point in a young person’s development,” said Dennis White, president and CEO, MetLife Foundation. “MetLife Foundation is pleased to recognize the St. Louis Public Library Foundation. Through their work, they are helping to meet the needs and varied interests of students in their communities while keeping them safe and engaged and providing valuable learning opportunities outside of a traditional classroom setting.”

Funding from the MetLife Foundation will support the St. Louis Public Library’s education and literacy programs that serve middle-school aged youth. These programs include Homework Helpers, Summer Reading Club and Read it Forward which are offered at 12 neighborhood library branches throughout the city of St. Louis.

The Library anticipates reaching program goals which include providing educational and literacy based programs for 10,000 middle-school aged children, seeing an increase in the homework help provided to this age group and the distribution of 2,000 books to middle-school students at special literary events throughout the year. Along with the many services and resources of the Library, these programs are offered free of charge and promote, encourage and improve literacy skills, academic success and life-long learning.

“We are extremely grateful to MetLife Foundation for their generous support of the St. Louis Public Library and the many programs they provide to serve middle-school students,” said Rick Simoncelli, president of the St. Louis Public Library Foundation. “MetLife Foundation’s commitment and continued support of the Library helps provides high-quality, out-of-school time programs to children that assist them with life-long learning.”

MetLife Foundation awarded Out-of-School Initiative grants totaling $500,000 to 12 nonprofit organizations serving middle school youth in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City, Providence and St. Louis.

About MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to carry on MetLife’s longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. The Foundation is committed to building a secure future for individuals and communities worldwide. Through programs focusing on empowering older adults, preparing young people and building livable communities, MetLife Foundation increases access to opportunities for people of all ages. Since it was established, MetLife Foundation has made more than $500 million in grants and $75 million in program related investments. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

About St. Louis Public Library Foundation

Created in 1989, the Library Foundation supports the St. Louis Public Library’s programs and services through fundraising and building relationships with others who share a passion for the Library’s work. The Foundation is currently leading a $20 million capital campaign, Central To Your World: a Campaign for the St. Louis Public Library, to support the $70 million revitalization of its downtown Central Library which will open towards the end of 2012, its Centennial year. For more information or to learn how you can support Central Library, visit www.slplfoundation.org or contact Rick Simoncelli at 314.539.0360.

About St. Louis Public Library

Ranked #2 in the nation, the St. Louis Public Library has 17 locations throughout the city and sees more than 2.3 million visitors each year. The Library has more than 4.7 million books and items in its collection and more than 70,000 library cardholders. For more information about the St. Louis Public Library and its services, visit www.slpl.org.

PNC

Terri Wilson

(502) 581-4073

terri.wilson@pnc.com                            

St. Louis Public Library

Liz Reeves

(314) 340-2403

ereeves@slplfoundation.org                  

St. Louis County Library

Jennifer McBride

(314) 994-3300 x 2250

jmcbride@slcl.org

ST. LOUIS PUBLIC AND COUNTY LIBRARIES AWARDED $77,000 GRANT FROM PNC FOUNDATION TO CREATE FINANCIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR PRESCHOOLERS

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 30, 2011 - The St. Louis Public Library and the St. Louis County Library have been awarded a $77,000 grant from the PNC Foundation to teach area children lessons in spending, sharing and saving and equip parents to reinforce the lessons at home. PNC provided the funding in support of Grow Up Great, its bilingual program in early childhood education.   

The grant from The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC), will allow the libraries to develop a series of story time sessions, reading clubs, family reading nights and school outreach programs that will reach 40,000 St. Louis area children and their families.  Through these efforts, the libraries and PNC will lay a foundation for continuing financial education in the schools and homes of children in both St. Louis City and County.

"We are extremely grateful to PNC for their generous support of this important early childhood initiative", said Rick Simoncelli, president of the St. Louis Public Library Foundation. "Their committment to the youngest learners in our community supports the Library's goals to assist children with life-long learning and promote literacy for all ages."

The instruction will be based on the lessons included in the “For Me, for You, for Later: First Steps to Spending, Sharing and Saving™,” multi-media bilingual financial education activity kit that Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street™, created for PNC.  The library also will distribute the “For You, For Me, For Later” financial education kits to parents and families. 

"We applaud PNC for its commitment to support financial education for young children and families," said Neil Jaffe, president of the St. Louis County Library Foundation. "We are excited about the opportunity this grant provides to inform young earners in St. Louis County about the importance of wise money management." 

PNC recently announced the extension of Grow Up Great by $250 million over 10 years to strengthen existing programs in math, science and the arts and reach more children, families and teachers. Considered one of the most comprehensive corporate school readiness programs of its kind, it has earned national recognition for programming through $40 million in grants to numerous non-profit organizations and other PNC funded initiatives.         

In St. Louis, PNC Grow Up Great has already provided $2,000,000 in grants to organizations whose primary focus is on early childhood education.  Through these grants, PNC is preparing area preschoolers to succeed in school by incorporating programs that increase vocabulary and enhance imagination.  

 “PNC recognizes the critical role that access to high quality early childhood education plays in the lives of area children, their families and ultimately, our economy,” said Rick Sems, PNC Bank regional president for St. Louis, speaking on behalf of the PNC Foundation.  “Through PNC Grow Up Great, we are contributing to the future of this region and helping to close learning readiness gaps faced by many children as they enter kindergarten. The grant to the Libraries supports this work by providing area preschool children and their families with basic financial concepts to better prepare them for success in school and life.”

In addition to providing the free “For Me, for You, for Later” instructional kits at both PNC and library branches, PNC has launched separate online financial education instruction as part of “S Is for Savings,” a new children’s savings account that informs and entertains. Its interactive functions utilize Sesame Street characters to reinforce a basic understanding of spending, saving and sharing and leverage the lessons of the bilingual multimedia kits. 

To learn more about the PNC Grow Up Great initiative, go to www.pncgrowupgreat.com.

            The PNC Foundation, which receives its principal funding from The PNC Financial Services Group (www.pnc.com), actively supports organizations that provide services for the benefit of communities in which it has a significant presence. The foundation focuses its philanthropic mission on early childhood education and community and economic development, which includes the arts and culture. PNC has extended its signature cause, PNC Grow Up Great, by $250 million over 10 years to enhance early childhood education and school readiness.            

# # #

DATE:                            October 31, 2011

RELEASED FOR:        St. Louis Public Library Foundation

FOR MORE INFO:      Barbara Pierce / Erin Smith, HLK , 314.571.6296 or

                                          bpierce@hlkagency.com

                                          Liz Reeves, SLPL Foundation, 314.340.2403 /  

                                         ereeves@slplfoundation.org        

Central Library's Texts and the City Nov. 19 Fundraiser Adds Novel Twist      

Lucky Library Supporter Will be Featured in John Grisham's Next Book

ST. LOUIS - Celebrated best-selling author John Grisham has just added a novel twist to the St. Louis Public Library Foundation's Nov. 19th Texts and the City fundraiser for Central Library held this year at St. Louis City Hall.    Library supporters can now go online at http://budurl.com/CentralRaffle and purchase raffle tickets ($25 each) to support the event. One lucky winner will be featured by name in Grisham's next book. The raffle contest will run through December 16; the winner will be announced on Dec. 19. Patron and individual tickets to the event can still be purchased for $150 and $75 each, respectively at http://www.slplfoundation.org/about/events/ or by calling 314.539.0359.

According to party co-chair, Pam Trapp, Grisham's support for Central Library is an exciting last-minute addition to an already fun-filled evening. "I can't think of too many people who can boast they've been featured in a John Grisham thriller. It's certainly something to be added to one's bucket list and offers notoriety that friends and family can celebrate."

Jo hn Grisham, (photo available at http:/budurl.com/JGrisham) a native of  Jonesboro, Arkansas, is the author of 27 books, including numerous legal thrillers. Since 1988, Grisham has written one novel each year. There are more than 250 million of his books in print worldwide, translated into 40 languages. Nine of them have been turned into motion pictures. Grisham's latest book, The Litigators , was  published in October 2011. Grisham published his first collection of short stories, Ford Country, in 2009. The Innocent Man, published in 2006, was his first work of non-fiction.

He grew up in Southaven, Mississippi, and though he originally dreamed of a career as a professional baseball player, he received a bachelor of science in accounting at Mississippi State University in 1977. He then went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Mississippi's law School in 1981. Grisham practiced law for nearly a decade in Southaven, specializing in criminal defense and personal injury litigation. In 1983 he was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives and served until 1990.

Grisham spent three years working on his first novel, getting up at 5 a.m. in order to write before work. A Time to Kill was published in 1989. His next novel, The Firm, spent 47 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and became the bestselling novel of 1991. His next book, The Pelican Brief also hit number one on the list, and the book that followed, The Client, debuted at number one, confirming Grisham's reputation as master of the legal thriller. Grisham is one of only three authors to sell two million copies of a book on a first printing. For more information on the author, visit: http://www.jgrisham.com.

Saturday, Nov. 19, St. Louis City Hall will be bedecked with a literary-themed decor for Texts and the City, which begins at 7p.m. Music and dancing will be available throughout the evening. Around the World in 80 Days appetizers and signature drinks, including the "Bookworm", will be served up to party guests by Butler's Pantry. Partygoers also will be invited to compete for a drawing to win prizes for playing "Twitterature", a new game summarizing great works of literature and characters in a single tweet. Valet parking will be provided at Tucker and Market Streets.

Guests are invited to wear cocktail attire or dress as their favorite literary character or author, with a prize for the best costume concept. "Some of us may even come as characters from or names of one of John Grisham's thrillers," adds Ann Perry, another party co-chair. "Let's see, where's my pelican or Amish costume?"

Major sponsors (Novelists) for Texts and the City include Ameren Missouri, BSI Constructors, Emerson, Alison and John Ferring, Ulrike and Tom Schlafly and the St. Louis Business Journal. Other major sponsors (Poets) include Susan Barrett, CLR Consultants, Inc., Yvette and John Dubinsky, Peabody Energy, Jeanne and Rex Sinquefield, Stifel Nicolaus, TOKY Branding + Design, Pam and Greg Trapp and U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corp. Additional sponsors (Playwrights) include AT&T, Barbara Bryant, BJC HealthCare, Cannon Design, Commerce Bank, Dowd Bennett, LLP, Edward Jones, Dana and Mike Kramer, Nancy and Ken Kranzberg, Lashly & Baer, Monsanto Fund, Isabelle and Jean-Paul Montupet, Ann and Russell Perry, Princeton Alumnae Book Club and St. Louis Public Radio.

Additional support for Texts and the City is provided by Advertisers Printing Company, Best Buy, Butler's Pantry, The Cheshire, Contemporary Events, Holmes, Radford & Avalon, Lewis, Rice & Fingersh, Purus Vodka, TheRepertory Theatre of St. Louis, RubinBrown LLP, Schlafly Beer, St. Louis Magazine, Thompson Coburn LLP and the Original John Viviano & Sons Grocer on the Hill.

Currently the St. Louis Public Library Foundation is leading a $20 million capital campaign for the St. Louis Public Library, Central To Your World, supports the $70 million total restoration and revitalization of the main library. The Cass Gilbert -designed building, opened in 1912, stretches over a full city block between Locust and Olive Streets and 13th and 14th Streets downtown.

The St. Louis Public Library welcomes more than two million visitors annually. Central Library closed for construction in June 2010 and will reopen in late 2012, in time for its Centennial Celebration. Central Library will feature a 65 percent increase of space for public use, expanded children's and teen rooms, a lower-level 244 -seat auditorium and other amenities, including a cafe. Book lending and other library services continue to be available during construction through the St. Louis Public Library's 16 other locations. Recently, the SLPL Foundation staff mounted a SLPL card sign-up program at several downtown locations, signing up more than 800 new library card holders.

About the St. Louis Public Library

Ranked #2 in the nation, the St. Louis Public Library has 17 locations across the city and sees more than 2.3 million visitors each year. The Library has more than 4.7 million books and items in its collection and more than 83,000 library cardholders. For more information about the St. Louis Public Library and its services, visit www.slpl.org.

About the St. Louis Public Library Foundation

Created in 1989, the Library Foundation supports the St. Louis Public Library's programs and services through fundraising and building relationships with others who share a passion for the Library's work. For information or to learn how you can support Central Library, visit www.slplfoundation.org or call Rick Simoncelli at 314.539.0360.

Today, Monsanto Company announced a $500,000 gift to the St. Louis Public Library Foundation’s Central To Your World capital campaign to create the new Andrew Carnegie Room in the revitalized downtown Central Library. The gift was jointly announced by Monsanto and the St. Louis Public Library Foundation.

Commenting on the gift, Monsanto Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff and Community Relations Jan Holloway said, “As a company headquartered here with more than 4,000 employees that call St. Louis home, we are very pleased to support this major downtown redevelopment project.  St. Louis’ new Central Library will be a catalyst for further downtown revitalization and will provide all St. Louisans with a modern new downtown library. The St. Louis Public Library is an important community resource, and we are proud to play a role in its future.”

The capital campaign for the St. Louis Public Library, Central To Your World, is a $20 million philanthropic effort to support the $70 million total restoration and revitalization of the main library, which occupies a full city block between Locust and Olive Streets, and 13th and 14th Streets downtown. Alison Nichols Ferring and Thomas F. Schlafly serve as the campaign’s co-chairpersons.

“We are extremely grateful to Monsanto for this major gift and generous support of this key downtown project,” added Rick Simoncelli, president of the St. Louis Public Library Foundation. “Their gift, along with donations from other St. Louis corporations, businesses, foundations and individuals, is making it possible to restore one of St. Louis’ great buildings, which serves as the hub for our system wide operations.”  

The St. Louis Public Library welcomes more than two million visitors annually. Reopening in late 2012, Central Library will offer expanded facilities for public use and exhibits, including a new 244-seat auditorium and a coffee café.

In 1901, industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie gave a gift of $1 million to the city of St. Louis to build a great city library. Carnegie designated $500,000 for a downtown central library and the other $500,000 to build citywide branches.  (In today’s dollars, Carnegie’s gift would be worth $24.3 million.) Since the total cost to build the original Central was to be $2 million, the citizens of St. Louis accepted the challenge and raised the remaining $1.5 million in donations. Central Library was designed by Cass Gilbert, who designed many of America’s major buildings, and opened on Jan. 6, 1912, with more than 1,000 civic leaders and donors in attendance.

Central Library closed for construction in June of last year. In addition to the new third floor Andrew Carnegie Room, the project includes a 65 percent increase of space for public use, expanded children’s and teen rooms, a lower-level auditorium and other amenities, including the café. The refurbished Central Library is expected to re-open in late 2012, in time for its Centennial celebration. Book lending and all other library services continue to be available during construction through the St. Louis Public Library’s 16 other locations.

“The third floor Andrew Carnegie Meeting Room is particularly interesting because we uncovered a large Cass Gilbert-designed skylight above the room that had been covered for many years with a false ceiling,” noted Waller McGuire, executive director of the St. Louis Public Library.  “It needed minor repairs, but otherwise, was completely intact. We also found a beautiful original wooden floor that had been hidden away for decades. These are just two of the many ‘surprises’ we’ve had during the restoration.”

The construction team includes CLR LLC, development consultant; Cannon Design, architect; and BSI Constructors, construction manager.

Central Library is among the largest construction projects in downtown St. Louis and is being funded through library resources, bond financing, tax credits and the St. Louis Public Library Foundation’s capital campaign.

About Monsanto Company
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about their business and their commitments, please visit: www.monsanto.com. Follow Monsanto business on Twitter® at www.twitter.com/MonsantoCo, on Facebook® at www.facebook.com/MonsantoCo, or subscribe to their News Release RSS Feed.

“As a firm that shares Central Library’s commitment to our community through education and continuous learning, Wells Fargo Advisors is proud to support this redevelopment project,” said Danny Ludeman, president and chief executive of Wells Fargo Advisors.  “We are pleased that this gift will help advance the largest redevelopment project underway in downtown St. Louis, and we are confident that it will have a significant impact on the entire region.”

Central Library closed in mid-June and is expected to re-open in late 2012 to kick off its Centennial celebration.  Meanwhile, book lending and all other library services continue to be available during construction through the St. Louis Public Library’s 15 other locations. The construction team includes CLR LLC, development consultant; Cannon Design, architect; and BSI Constructors, construction manager.

Originally opened in 1912, Central Library was designed by Cass Gilbert and built with funds from Andrew Carnegie and the citizens of St. Louis. The St. Louis Public Library’s massive 4.7 million-piece collection was moved off-site and staff was relocated earlier this year to make way for construction crews.  

Seven stories of shelving and flooring were removed in the interior “stack,” an area which is being transformed into the new Locust Street Atrium entrance. Central Library’s central reading room and other expansive reading rooms are coming to life through expanded public spaces, new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, restoration of original floors, walls and ceilings, and enhanced lighting. The new Central Library will feature a 65 percent increase in public spaces, enhanced technology, a cafe, new displays and a new, lower-level  244-seat auditorium  carved out of the space for the building’s original coal bin. Also, the St. Louis Public Library is taking this opportunity to further digitize major portions of its collection.

Remarking on the gift, Thomas F. Schlafly, who co-chairs the capital campaign with Alison Nichols Ferring, said, “It is gratifying to have the participation of Wells Fargo Advisors in this large civic fundraising endeavor that will help us complete this historic project.  They are playing a significant role in community redevelopment, not only around their mid-town headquarters, but also stretching into the heart of downtown.”

In 2011, the St. Louis office of Wells Fargo Advisors donated a total of $5.6M to more than 90 regional non profit organizations. CEO Danny Ludeman serves as Chairman of the 2011 United Way of Greater St. Louis campaign.

Central Library is among the largest construction projects in downtown St. Louis and is being funded through library resources, bond financing, tax credits and the St. Louis Public Library Foundation’s capital campaign.

About Wells Fargo Advisors
Wells Fargo Advisors is one of the nation's premier financial services firms. Its brokerage business is represented by more than 15,000 financial advisors nationwide and was born out of the Wells Fargo & Company's 2009 acquisition of Wachovia Corporation.
Wells Fargo Advisors is a subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, one of the nation’s largest, strongest and most respected financial institutions. In business since 1852 and named on Fortune magazine’s 2009 list of the "World’s Most Admired Companies," Wells Fargo is known and respected for its responsible stewardship of its clients' assets.
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com and wachovia.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. We want to help all of our customers succeed financially and create long-term economic growth and quality of life for everyone in our communities. In 2010, the Company invested a record $219 million in grants in 19,000 nonprofits, and team members contributed more than 1.3 million volunteer hours around the country. For more information, please visit: www.wellsfargo.com/about/csr.

About the St. Louis Public Library
Ranked #2 in the nation, the St. Louis Public Library has 16 locations across the city and sees more than 2.3 million visitors each year. The Library has more than 4.7 million books and items in its collection and more than 83,000 library cardholders. For more information about the St. Louis Public Library and its services, visit
www.slpl.org

About the St. Louis Public Library Foundation
Created in 1989, the Library Foundation supports the St. Louis Public Library's programs and services through fundraising and building relationships with others who share a passion for the library's work. For information or to learn how you can support Central Library, visit www.slplfoundation.org or call Rick Simoncelli at 314.539.0360.