NORFOLK -- A $20 million donation will cover nearly half the cost of a new library in downtown Norfolk.

Mayor Paul Fraim announced the gift from Frank Batten, Sr., the retired chairman of Landmark Communications.

The new facility will replace the existing Kirn Memorial Library, which will be demolished in early 2009 to make way for The Tide, Norfolk’s light rail system.

To raise the remaining $30 million for the new Norfolk Main Library, Fraim said the city will rely on private donations.

The new library at 235 E. Plume Street is tentatively set to open this December.

Kirn’s tentative closing date is late November.

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