The Mars Area Public Library reached out to a nonprofit consulting firm to assess the fundraising potential for its relocation and new building, which is still in the planning stages.

Mark Lynch, of the firm Mark J. Lynch and Associates, presented the results of his fundraising feasibility study to members of Mars borough council during their meeting on Monday night, July 21.

“The library and I touched base about three months ago concerning their proposed relocation,” Lynch said. “So what I proposed is a feasibility study to assess the fundraising potential for the library and Mars discovery center.”

The object of the study, according to Lynch, is to identify sources of potential fundraising, as the project is estimated to run into the millions of dollars once the first shovel starts turning.

“Typically, these are four to five month projects,” Lynch said. “They involve face-to-face interviews with members of the community, civic leaders and business people. The idea is to meet with people whose financial support for the project can help you to be successful.”

Lynch said he and the library are aiming particularly at big-ticket donors who would be willing to make five- and six-digit financial gifts.

“The entire community will have an opportunity to participate and all giving levels are important,” Lynch said. “But the purpose of the study is to really focus on the people with the highest capacity, whether they're individuals or families or businesses or charity foundations. And we’re going to look at government grants.”

The combined library/discovery center project was initially unveiled in May 2024 as a joint venture between Mars and Adams Township. The most recent plans are to build a new library on the site where a NexTier Bank, formerly Mars Bank, currently stands on Main Street in Mars. The new library would include a “discovery center” with assistance and exhibits from NASA.