LEWISTON – The Friends of the Lewiston Public Library have received a $1,000 donation from the Lewiston Municipal Federal Credit Union for the soon-to-be-completed Marsden Hartley Cultural Center Project.

Now in its final stages, construction of the $3.5 million cultural center is expected to be completed this summer, with a grand opening in the fall. Renovations have been done in the Pilsbury Building, which abuts the current library at the corner of Lisbon and Pine streets, adding approximately 13,000 square feet of space.

Heather Hunter, credit union board chairwoman, said, “The Lewiston Municipal Federal Credit Union takes great pride in supporting the community. This is an endeavor that the board, on behalf of its members, feels will be utilized by the public for years to come and documents a key component to Lewiston’s history.”

The Hartley Center will include a new corner entrance for the library, a conference room, computer lab, archives area, expanded spaces for books and readers and Callahan Hall, a 150-seat multi-use space, which will host a variety of public programs and cultural events.

Upon receipt of the $1,000 donation, Library Director Richard “Rick” Speer noted, “The library has been successful in pursuing state and foundation grants to support the Hartley Center Project. As we turn to the local community for this final fund-raising piece, we really appreciate this support from our own employee-sponsored credit union.”

The Friends of the Lewiston Public Library is conducting a capital campaign to raise the final $160,000 for the project. The funds will be used to furnish and equip the new facility.