But the campaign got a big boost last week, helping it come closer to its $1.2 million goal, when local businesses and residents presented checks to the library campaign at a city hall ceremony. The checks included $25,000 each from Hewlett-Packard, Menlo Equities and David Greenstein. The donations will help provide furnishings and equipment.

"We have raised approximately $800,000," says library campaign chairwoman Barbara Rogers. Given the tough economy, Rogers says she is pleased by the amount raised so far. "The money will help provide desks, chairs, bookshelves and checkout equipment." The furniture has begun to be delivered and books have begun to be stacked on the new shelves.

While the ceremony honored large donors--with those donating $500 or more receiving wall plaques in the new library--Rogers says she is also appreciative of the smaller amounts. "I understand some people have worked really hard to give $25 or $50 and I really honor that," she says. And she adds she expects the library campaign to meet its goal of $1.2 million. "The money is out there," she says, "it's just a function of getting it in."

For more information on how to donate, visit www-lib.co.santa-clara.ca.us/cupertino/CUfound.html.