Community Foundation Sonoma County invests in Roseland's future with library donation

Oscar Chavez, the recently appointed head of Community Foundation Sonoma County, electrified an audience at Roseland Regional Library Branch when he announced a $250,000 donation to the Sonoma County Public Library Foundation. The significant funding comes at a pivotal moment as Santa Rosa prepares to build a new library in the emerging Hearn Hub, located in the Bellevue district.

Why should this matter to Roseland and the broader Sonoma County? Libraries aren't just repositories of books; they're engines of economic development, said Chavez. The donation, sourced from the Hazel and Roland Trust, a capital fund devoted to bolstering underfunded government services, goes beyond mere charity—it's an investment in a more inclusive future.

The injection of funds adds momentum to an already ambitious project. Alongside the new library, the Hearn Hub is set to feature a gamut of community services. The planning dovetails with the city's intention to develop thousands of new homes south of Roseland, underscoring the significance of this collaboration between the city of Santa Rosa, the library foundation, and community supporters.

But isn't cost a factor? Erika Thibault, Library Director, dismisses that notion. "Costs are not an obstacle," she stressed, revealing an anticipated groundbreaking in 2024. Moreover, the community's willingness to financially support the project has been robust, she added.

While the gift is substantial, Chavez framed it as essential for achieving "diversity, equity, and inclusion." With community support and now this significant donation, the Hearn Hub project shifts from concept to impending reality, embodying Roseland's aspirational ethos for a more equitable and vibrant future.

For those interested in supporting this transformation, the Sonoma County Library welcomes contributions. Visit www.sonomacountylibrary.org to learn how you can get involved.