Former resident’s gift helps transform Spring Lake Library community spaces

Former Spring Lake resident Fred Harring is giving back to the library that helped spark his curiosity as a child, donating $500,000 to help transform the Spring Lake District Library into a more accessible and community-centered gathering space.

The gift will fund a new indoor-outdoor programming area, redesigned landscaping, and parking improvements intended to make the library more welcoming and functional for patrons of all ages. Local leaders say the investment reflects both Harring’s personal connection to the library and the growing role libraries play as public gathering spaces.

Village Manager Brady Selner says the renovation highlights the library’s role as a civic gathering place for residents of all ages.

“The Village of Spring Lake is excited to see the Spring Lake District Library continue investing in spaces that strengthen community connection and lifelong learning,” Selner says. “The library continues to be one of the community’s most valuable assets, and we are grateful for the partnerships and generosity helping raise the bar even higher for what our library has to offer.”

The project includes a 1,200-square-foot programming room west of the library’s lobby and a connected 700-square-foot patio accessible from the parking lot. Plans also call for improved bike parking, new green space, and a relocated drive-up book drop. Library leaders say the design will allow year-round educational programs, including activities focused on seniors and multigenerational learning.

The indoor-outdoor layout addresses a challenge many libraries face: creating adaptable public spaces that support education, recreation, and community engagement beyond traditional reading rooms. Officials say the redesign also will improve accessibility and create a more welcoming exterior area for residents seeking quiet gathering spaces and outdoor learning opportunities.

Grateful for library’s offerings

Harring, now a general counsel for a global financial services firm in the Pacific Northwest, says the library played an important role in his childhood and broadened his understanding of the world.

“I would idle away so many afternoons in the library, devouring books, newspapers, and magazines, and, most of all, learning and dreaming about the almost limitless exciting things the world had to offer,” Harring says.

The donation honors Harring’s late father, Gerard F. Harring, who visited the library almost every day until he died at age 93. Library staff remembered him as a regular at adult programs who often joined discussions. The gift comes during what would have been his 100th birthday year.

Harring says the project shows why libraries are important as many communities rethink the role of public institutions.

“Libraries are the most democratic institutions we have,” Harring says. “They’re a font of knowledge, ideas, and community. They welcome everyone, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs, status, or achievements. That is something remarkable to celebrate and critical to preserve.”

Expand and refresh

Library Director Maggie McKeithan says the renovation will help the library expand community programming and improve outdoor accessibility and usability.

“We are incredibly grateful for Fred, whose passion for libraries is helping us make a transformative change,” McKeithan says. “This new addition will not only expand our ability to host more community programming but will also rejuvenate our outdoor spaces, ensuring our library remains a beautiful and functional destination for years to come.”

Library Board President Mary Eagin says last year’s interior renovation showed how much residents care about updated community spaces.

“We have seen the public embrace the changes with open arms,” Eagin says. “We are excited to see their response to the improvements that this gift will enable us to make.”

Construction is expected to begin in October. Because most of the work will occur outside the building, library officials say regular operations and programming are expected to continue with limited disruption.

“I’m so pleased to be able to support not only a place that meant so much to my family but also to help ensure that it can continue to touch so many others the way it did for us,” Harring says.

Renderings provided by Spring Lake District Library