A library is a special place. And for children, it can be a magical place, the place where they fall in love with stories, with reading, with learning.

Everyone has a childhood "library story," said Gayle Schuck, development director for The Library Foundation Inc., for the Bismarck Public Library, which is in the process of raising the remaining funds for a renovation and enhancement of its children's library and youth services section.

Since October 2007, when the capital campaign for the project was launched, approximately 75 percent of the $600,000 cost - about $461,000 - has been raised, Schuck said, split evenly between large and small givers and between organizations and individuals, she said.

In August, the Otto Bremer Foundation awarded the project a $50,000 matching grant.

"That is such an encouragement to us," Schuck said.

The Bremer Foundation matching grant will be used for books and materials, she said. For the remaining funds needed, "we're getting there,"she said, but as with other building projects in recent years, construction costs have gone up appreciably.

For many people, giving to a library project is a heart issue, Schuck said.

A recent card that came to Schuck containing a check for $5,000 and a note in which the giver dedicated the money to all the librarians she knew and to all the books she read in the '30s and '40s.

The library's newsletter, in fact, has been encouraging people to write about "My First Library Experience," Schuck said.

The volunteers who have spearheaded the fundraising campaign for the enhanced children's library are eager to see the project completed, she said:"Everyone wants kids in the 21st century to have those good experiences," she said.

While North Dakota has some exciting economic news right now, the library would like people to think long term about quality of life, she said. Kids from all circumstances come and use the library's offerings and programs.

Project plans call for improvements such as higher shelving for books for older kids, lower shelves near the entrance for books for preschoolers, improved technology and 30 percent more books and materials.

The library staff, including new children's librarian Traci Juhala, are excited about the changes, Schuck said. Visual changes will include a "fantasy" entrance featuring oversized storybook images, large murals, improvements to the story room, more computers, and family-friendly bathrooms. The amphitheater-style seating will be improved in the Story Room, which houses puppet shows and crafts, to make it a true multi-purpose room. Renderings of the new look are on display at the entrance to the children's library and at the library's Web site, www.bismarcklibrary.org. The library also has an online donation feature on the Web site. Boxes are available at the library for small gifts. Gifts also may be dropped off at the library office, she said.

Schuck said that the campaign volunteers are hopeful that once the necessary total has been raised, work can be under way by next summer. As with many public facilities, the city does pay a portion of the library's costs, but like other institutions, needs private donations to sponsor these enhancements, Schuck said.

Dick Weber and Erik Sakariassen are the co-chairs of the Children's Library Renovation Campaign.