FERNDALE - Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery has donated $25,000 to a project to build a new library in Ferndale.

Combined with a match from an anonymous donor, the refinery's pledge actually will mean $50,000 for the library, the Whatcom Community Foundation announced Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Jeff Callender, a Phillips 66 spokesman, said the refinery and its employees "recognize the importance of a strong community library where everyone can access information, technology and life-enhancing programs," adding that a new library would benefit the community for generations.

The $5.4 million project is a collaboration of the city of Ferndale, Whatcom County Library System and Whatcom Community Foundation. The donation edges the fundraising effort to within $500,000 of its goal.

The 15,000-square-foot library will be near City Hall on Main Street.

In October, the Whatcom Community Foundation announced that an anonymous donor had pledged up to $1 million in matching funds.

To learn more about the new library or to donate, go online to newferndalelibrary.org.

Reach KIE RELYEA at kie.relyea@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2234.