The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria (FIGR) has donated $3.5 million to the Sonoma County Public Library Foundation for a new library in Roseland.
The donation will close the construction funding gap for the library, which will be built in southwest Santa Rosa. The city and state are spending $16 million, with another $5 million coming from other sources.
“We are so proud and happy to be able to support a full-service library in Roseland where so many of us grew up,” said Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria tribal chairman Greg Sarris, in a statement. “Roseland is a community we love and support.”
The Roseland Regional Library will be part of the Hearn Avenue Community Hub being built on a 6.5-acre site at the intersection of Hearn and Dutton avenues. The 20,000-square-foot library will be part of a campus including a community center, an aquatic center and a new fire station.
“With those commitments and this generous gift, our construction goal is within reach, now we can focus on the $3 million left to raise to furnish and equip the 21st century library that this community wants, needs and deserves,” said Deborah Doyle, the chairperson of the Sonoma County Library Commission.
Santa Rosa Mayor Chris Rogers said in a statement that the city is grateful.
“(The FIGR’s) support and partnership helps put shovels in the ground as we deliver this critical project for the Roseland community,” Rogers said.
Graton Rancheria is a federally recognized Indian tribe composed of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo Indians. Tribal lands are located in Rohnert Park.