PRESS RELEASES
POLICE AND FIRE FIGHTERS WORK TOGETHER
TO BENEFIT NEW EAST SIDE LIBRARY
~ Additional Support Sought as Construction Begins ~
April 28, 2004 - Buffalo , NY - The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) has gratefully accepted a $2,000 donation from the Afro-American Police Association (A.A.P.A) and the Black firefighters' association known as Members of Color Helping All (M.O.C.H.A) to benefit the new Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library. The 20,000 square foot facility replaces the old North Jefferson Branch Library. It will be located at the intersection of Jefferson and Utica on Buffalo 's East Side , with construction slated to begin this spring.
“We are extremely grateful for the support these two organizations have demonstrated. I encourage other civic minded individuals and groups to follow their lead and become involved with this exciting, community- based project,” said B&ECPL Director Michael C. Mahaney .
Last December, A.A.P.A and M.O.C.H.A sponsored a fundraiser at Harry's Harbour Place Grille. The event attracted approximately 200 supporters who raised the donated funds, which will be used to purchase equipment or furnishings for the new library. This event and its goals have motivated others to make subsequent donations, including Zephel Owens of Zeke, Inc. and WBLK-FM through the assistance of Catherine Roberts . An additional $1,000 was raised for the project.
Using the African Village as inspiration for the building's design, the $4+ million dollar project will include an African American Resource Room, adult and youth reading rooms, a computer training lab, auditorium, 35 parking spaces and an African motif in the block façade.
If you, your business or your organization would like to get involved, please contact the Library at 858-7182. If you are interested in joining the Friends of the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library, please contact the North Jefferson Branch at 883-4418.