NORWALK PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD TO NAME SOUTH NORWALK BRANCH CHILDREN’S LIBRARY “STEW LEONARD III CHILDREN’S LIBRARY”

NORWALK, Conn., August 30, 2006 -- The Board of the Norwalk Public Library System, in recognition of the major contribution made to the South Norwalk Branch Library’s 21st Century Fund by the Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities foundation, unanimously approved naming the South Norwalk Branch children’s library the “Stew Leonard III Children’s Library.”

“We are honored to have the library named in memory of our son, especially since it will be used and appreciated by the children of this vibrant community,” said Stew Leonard, Jr. when told of the Board’s decision.

The Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities Foundation was originally founded in 1990 as the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation. Stew Leonard, Jr., President and CEO of Stew Leonard’s grocery stores, and his wife, Kim, created the foundation in honor of their son, who died in a drowning accident in 1989. The foundation changed its name this year to broaden the scope of their community contributions to include education and health-oriented charitable organizations aimed at children

Stan Siegel, chair of the 21st Century Fund, who received the $25,000 contribution, pointed out that, “Since the Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities foundation has chosen to support the community in this way we thought it only fitting to acknowledge their commitment which helps ensure the necessary funds to equip and furnish the Library.”

The South Norwalk Branch Library, at 10 Washington Street, which closed on Friday, July 23, 2004, is expected to reopen this summer. The modernization and expansion of the Carnegie-style building includes compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, updating the electrical system, adding nearly 3,700 square foot east and west wings, thereby creating more usable space for its patrons and the rest of the community. The Library is one of the more than 2,000 that Andrew Carnegie funded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The original portion of the Library will be preserved and will be enhanced by the innovative design.

The 21st Century Fund – www.snlibraryfund.org – is seeking contributions from the corporate community, other organizations and groups, as well as the public at large, to help assure that the South Norwalk Branch Library provides its users with state-of-the art computer and related technological equipment. Various opportunities will be available for major contributors to be recognized, in perpetuity, for donations such as rooms, areas, or components, named in their behalf.