Family creates a transformational gift to advance K-State Libraries’ digitization efforts.
In the year since a roof fire in Hale Library displaced K-State Libraries’ materials and services, K-Staters have stepped up to support the rebuilding of this essential campus resource as part of the #HelpForHale campaign.
Many K-Staters like the Bernie Butler family and their Butler Family Community Foundation of Manhattan, Kansas, have committed private funds to facilitate the student-focused upgrades and to help build a 21st century, next-generation library. Their gift will support the creation of a new digitization lab equipped with cutting-edge technology. By scanning unique and rare primary source materials, K-State Libraries will preserve their contents for future generations.
“Our family has had a long relationship with Kansas State University and Hale Library so we were excited to find a unique way to aid university students and faculty for years to come,” explained Brenda Butler, executive director of the Butler Family Community Foundation. “We initially responded to the urgent plea for help after disaster struck the library in 2018, but instead of a rescue mission, we found ourselves participating in a transformation of the Libraries’ special collections, thanks to the vision of Dean Goetsch.
“We are thrilled at the prospect of extending the reach of the Libraries’ special collections to the world. As the digital archives become available, anyone can access a wealth of knowledge in cookery, Kansas history and so much more. This initiative finds a new way to place Kansas State and its knowledge base on a global stage. This is exactly the sort of project, with benefits to so many diverse groups of students, scholars and researchers that the Butler Family Community Foundation and our commitment to education, creativity and community is proud to support.”
Thank you to the Butler Family Community Foundation and the many alumni and friends who have been inspired by K-State’s vision of a 21st century, next-generation library. You’ve helped K-State Libraries restore essential resources and provide an academic edge for future generations of K-Staters.
There is still work to do. You can help.
Stay up-to-date with the Hale Library recovery efforts by subscribing to the Hale Library Blog, blogs.k-state.edu/hale. Give online at help-for-hale to support the restoration of K-State Libraries. It’s never been easier.
