PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILDING PROJECT GETS UNDERWAY IN TIJUANA

While San Diego begins construction of its new Central Library at an estimated cost of $140 million, Tijuana's search for funds to create its first modern public library continues.

Although the need for a modern, technologically equipped library in Tijuana has been recognized, bureaucratic red tape and an inability to find a central location have undermined past attempts. Recently, these barriers have been removed. Thanks to the Universidad Iberoamericana Noroeste and the leadership and persistence of Father David Ungerleider Kepler, Assistant to the President at the University, two and a half prime acres of the university’s land have been dedicated for the construction of the much needed library.

Already, National University of San Diego has provided in-kind donations of furniture and supplies. The Lannan Foundation of Santa Fe, New Mexico has gifted $220,000 to pay for architect's fees, soil samples, and blue prints. Mr. Luis Fimbres of Tijuana has generously donated $100,000. Iberoamericana University has made in-kind donations including land and books and computers valued at over $850,000. Mr. Enrique Mier y Teran, a construction company owner in Tijuana has offered to cover the cost of cement and cinder blocks and Universidad Iberoamericana’s main campus in Mexico City recently gave $100,000. Currently $1.8 million is sought to complete the library project.

In San Diego, donor John B. Mc Neece, III, a partner at the law firm of Luce, Forward, Hamilton, Scripps, has recently established the "Friends of the Tijuana Library Fund" at ICF for Americans who wish to support this community-led initiative.
Please call Richard Kiy at 619.235.2300 for additional information or to contribute to this fund.