Palm Springs council approves naming gifts for library renovation, including Friends and Jane Eckenhoff gifts

The Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved naming opportunities tied to the main library renovation during its April 8 meeting.

Library Director Jean Case told the council the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation has launched a capital campaign and is ‘‘just shy of $2.1 million’’ raised. Two gifts require council approval under a May 25, 2023 memorandum of understanding: $250,000 from the Friends of the Palm Springs Library to name the JC Fry building the Friends of the Palm Springs Library building, and a legacy gift from the Jane Eckenhoff estate tied to a desert landscaping dedication.

Case provided historical context on the JC Fry building, noting it was built in 1965 with community support and will now house archives and program spaces after renovation. Councilmembers asked that historical information and photos be displayed in the renovated space to preserve the building’s origins; Case said the building will house the library archives and the staff will include curated historic panels.

Councilmember Burns moved to approve the naming recommendations and the motion carried following a second by Councilmember Doha.

The library presentation also noted a slate of additional donations under staff approval thresholds; staff said they would return as necessary for gifts requiring council action. Council praised the foundation, the Friends and library staff for their fundraising work and expressed anticipation for hard‑hat tours when the project advances.