The plot thickens in the tale of the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation (PSPLF). In all the best ways, that is.
PSPLF recently reached a major fundraising milestone in its capital campaign, nabbing its first $1 million toward revitalizing the Palm Springs Public Library. That means it has successfully met the full $1 million match that was pledged by library’s Board of Trustees, which manages the Library Trust Fund and oversees long-term planning.
Raising a total of $2 million now marks a pivotal if not early success of PSPLF’s $7 million goal that will support the community-driven elements of the library’s $52 million major transformation.
“It’s an exciting time,” said Jeffrey Norman, board member and one of PSPLF’s Capital Campaign co-chairs. “Having $1 million matched by the library trustees, we’re well on our way toward $7 million.”
Recent grants from the FitzDell Gifting Fund and the Jane Lykken Hoff Endowment Fund via Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) create yet another win for the project.
“The IECF grants will also help get things accomplished beyond just the building’s infrastructure, which state and city money pays for,” Norman said, expressing his enthusiasm for the interior improvements, which will enhance “people-centered” outposts, such as the community room.
“We’ll have state-of-the-art equipment, making it easier for many community organizations to come in and use the space—everything from the film festival to something like a string quartet,” Norman said.
There will also be placemaking activities spaces for teens and children who can create and connect with others.
“The Foundation Board has really stepped up to the plate to bring us to this point where we finally understood what the needs were and could speak about it publicly,” Norman added. “We’re grateful to the board for doing a great job and the recent grants are incredibly beneficial.”
These new milestones accelerate the progress on all enhanced spaces, innovative programming, and a long-term endowment to ensure sustainability for future generations.
In addition to the IECF funding, recent donors include: Friends of the Palm Springs Public Library; Karla Kjellin-Elder & Jeff Elder; the Lamb Family Foundation; Jim Gray and Bernard Rottner and Betty Rae Smith; David Engen and Ken Pengelly; and Deborah Schwarz.
An anonymous gift of $100,000 filters into the mix alongside dozens of other donations ranging from $50-$50,000.
The Next Chapter campaign launched in October 2025. The renovation will modernize the 35,000-square-foot main library building and the 4,000-square-foot JC Frey Building, while preserving its architectural significance.
Every year, the Palm Springs Library serves 20,000-plus cardholders, and welcomes more than 140,000 unique visits.
Mark your calendars. The estimated reopening is Summer 2027.
“The library has been so important to the civic life of Palm Springs,” Norman said. “The donations and grants will help bring us into the future,” Norman said, stressing how vital the library is as a place that offers more than just books.
“Sometimes people look at Palm Springs and say, ‘Oh, it’s a very wealthy community,’ or ‘Why do people need to go to the library when they have their own Wi-Fi and their own books and DVRs,’ and what have you,” Norman said. “But there’s a considerable percentage of children whose families live below the poverty level here. The library has become a huge resource for them.
It has also been a cooling space during summer and a warm place in the winter.
Not to be left out: job seekers, who walk in and, with the help of trusted librarians, learn to navigate the various job sites or get help preparing their resumes.
“There are more than 300 programs a year at the library,” Norman beamed, “and now, even in our temporary space, we’re still hugely active.”
Bill Wylie, PSPLF board president, added: “Palm Springs has a long tradition of generosity and civic pride. Our community has always championed the institutions that make this city unique, and our library is definitely one of them.”
This story originally appeared in the Desert Sun, March, 2026.
Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy. Sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.
