NEWTON, Kan. (KSNW) – INTRUST Bank has donated $150,000 to Newton Public Library as part of the Where Community Connects campaign.

“Libraries are a signature community asset, benefiting everyone in a community,” said Kimberly Richtig, President of Newton INTRUST Bank. “INTRUST Bank is part of the Newton community, and we are proud to be part of the campaign to help build a 21st century library for this growing community.”

In 2018, the City of Newton, Newton Public Library, and the Library Foundation formed a partnership to help fund and build a new public library. After receiving this donation, the campaign crossed the $1.6 million mark.

“We are extremely grateful to those who have met us, visited us and joined us as donors,” said campaign co-chair Ann Adrian. “By the time the new library is built and opens, the current, outdated library will be almost half a century old.”

According to Cathy Anderson, chair of the library’s board of trustees, libraries in the 21st century are evolving from simple transactional services to more relational services. “New technologies and new roles for library professionals are making libraries more valuable than ever. Libraries are safe and accessible places where users can find the resources and services they need to develop new skills and share their skills with others. We look forward to the new Newton Public Library helping Newtonians create the adaptable and resilient community we all want to live in.

“Public libraries are essential, and our new library will serve all citizens for generations to come,” said Cari Cusick, executive director of the Newton Public Library. “We are grateful for this generous commitment from INTRUST Bank and their dedication to our library and our communities.”

The Library Foundation is an affiliate of the Central Kansas Community Foundation, where all charitable donations are processed and stored.