Help Transform the Fourth Floor
Over 125 years ago:
the population of Eugene was just 3,200 (compared to 179,213 today),
the University of Oregon was only 22 years old,
Oregon women were fighting for the right to vote, and
members of the Fortnightly Club of Eugene, a women’s group, established Eugene’s first library.
In 1898, those Eugenians made a bold statement:
Access to information, literature, and learning matters.
When the new Downtown Library opened in 2002, it was built not just for that moment, but for the future. The visionaries behind the “Building for Generations” campaign made sure the new library included room to grow: an unfinished fourth floor. They didn’t know exactly what it would become, but they trusted that when the time was right, the community would make it real.
That time is now. A new chapter for our library is unfolding.
The fourth floor is finally available to be transformed into a vibrant space for author talks, performances, family events, and programs that uplift our community and bring it to life.
But right now, it still wears the marks of its past—outdated paint, old carpet, and furniture meant for cubicles, not conversations.
And yet, even in its current state, the fourth floor is already sparking joy:
Families explored a haunted Halloween maze in October.
Children rang in the New Year at our Noon Year’s Eve balloon drop.
Nearly 1,000 people danced under neon lights and played vintage video games and laser tag at Lasers at the Library in April.
More than 300 TJ Klune fans attended the New York Times best-selling author's presentation in May.
Imagine what’s possible with your help.
Your gift today can fund critical things like chairs, movable walls, art carts, and fresh paint. The cost of replacing the carpeting from 2002 (over two decades old) alone is $150,000.
But more than that, you’ll be helping open a door to connection, creativity, and joy.
When more than 300 people came to hear beloved author TJ Klune speak this spring, many had to stand – there were not enough chairs for everyone. Your support will help ensure that next time, there’s a seat for every person who attends.
Please consider a meaningful gift to help activate the inaugural fourth floor.
Let’s finish what was started in 1898. Together.
With gratitude,
Dana B. Fleming
Executive Director
Eugene Public Library Foundation
P.S. Your donation for the first phase of the fourth floor transformation will be a tool that builds community - an investment that will pay dividends for years to come. Thank you for uplifting our community through your generous support!
“Moveable walls (and the other things needed on the fourth floor) create flexible, welcoming spaces - spaces that say:
You belong here.
Let’s move some walls and make space for those voices who aren’t at the table.
Let’s build that future - one story, one child, one movable wall at a time.”
- Alma Fumiko Hesus,
Executive Director, United Way of Lane County
From remarks at Booked for the Evening on May 3, 2025
Check out the event video from Booked for the Evening - featuring a very special guest!
Many thanks to our corporate sponsors
who supported the first stage
of the fourth floor transformation!
🎈Presenting Sponsor: Northwest Community Credit Union
🎈 Champion Sponsor: Lane Forest Products, Pacific Cascade Federal Credit Union
🎈 Partner Sponsor: Sheild Catering
🎈 Community Sponsor: Jenna Adams-Kalloch & Andrew Kalloch, Hathaway Munro, North Eugene Automotive, Oregon Urology Institute, Sapient Private Wealth Management, University of Oregon, WaFd Bank, Pathology Consultants
🎈 Bookmark Sponsors: Avant Assessment, The Bier Stein, Gleaves Swearingen LLP, Heritage Bank, Oregon Pacific Bank, National Business Solutions
Photos from Booked for the Evening 2025
