For Immediate Release
October 8, 2008
Contact: Norman Maas
Library Director
664-7328 ext 308

City of Norfolk Receives Largest Donation in Charitable History
for New Downtown Library

Norfolk, VA (October 8, 2008). Frank Batten Sr., long-time chairman of Landmark Communications, has committed a $20 million contribution to the construction of a new central library in downtown Norfolk. The announcement was made during a press conference on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 by Mayor Paul Fraim, who described the gift as “the largest in the city’s history.” Fraim expressed gratitude on behalf of Norfolk citizens for the Batten family’s generosity.

According to Fraim, construction of the new central library could begin as early as fall 2010, and will be composed of the historic Seaboard Building at 235 Plume Street and a newly built structure between the Seaboard Building and Selden Arcade. It is anticipated that the two structures will be connected by a glass-enclosed courtyard and atrium.

The city acquired the Seaboard Building in 2007 for $7.2 million and is spending an additional $2.8 million on restoration. The original plan called for the Seaboard Building to serve as a temporary location for the city’s aging Kirn Memorial Main Library, which is scheduled to be demolished in early 2009 to make way the for the city’s new Light Rail Transit.

Mayor Fraim announced that the new central library will be named in honor of Batten’s uncle, Samuel L. Slover. Slover founded Landmark Communications when he acquired the Ledger-Star and then merged that newspaper with the Virginian-Pilot, which he purchased in the early 1930s. For more than 50 years, Slover was a dominant figure in Virginia newspaper publishing circles. He was also a former Mayor of Norfolk who loved the city, believing that an informed citizenry is one of the most important keys to its success.

In 1954 at the age of 27, Frank Batten, Sr. assumed the leadership of the Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger-Star, and developed Landmark Communications into one of the nation’s largest and most influential media companies.

Batten, who expressed his pleasure and satisfaction in being able to provide this gift to the City of Norfolk stated, “Throughout my life and career, I have tried to honor my uncle and his devotion to the betterment of the communities that we serve, and his commitment to integrity, honesty and a sense of fair play. He would be glad to know that this state-of-the art library will be named in his honor.”

To honor Batten’s wishes, Fraim vowed that the new Slover Library will be the most technologically advanced in the United States.

            “Mr. Batten believes that technology has the potential to change lives,” Fraim said. “We are determined that the new library will permit our citizens to access the latest 21st century technology with the goal of providing a more informed society”.  

The cost of the new construction will total nearly $40 million. Combined with the cost of the purchase and renovation of the Seaboard Building the price of the Slover Library will total nearly $50 million. Fraim will lead an effort to raise additional funds for the construction cost of the new facility.

“I believe that a gift from a man of Mr. Batten’s stature and reputation will influence other people to support this project.” Fraim said.

The estimated programmable space for the new main library will increase to approximately 92,000 square feet, 34,000 square feet more than currently available in Kirn Memorial Library.

If you have any questions please call Library Director Norman Maas at (757) 664-7328.

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About Norfolk Public Library: The Norfolk Public Library offers equal opportunity access to information, books, programs, and online resources to meet the needs of our diverse community for life-long learning. The library system consists of one main library, 10 branch libraries, one anchor branch library, and a Bookmobile and Treasure Truck. Visit www.npl.lib.va.us or call us at (757) 664-READ for more information. NPL- Creating a City of Readers.