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Exciting things continue to happen for the Berryville Library Building Project. When the original budget projections were made for the proposed library, the cost was estimated at $2.5 million. No one could have predicted rising construction costs as another effect of the pandemic, but they make the project cost closer to $3.5 million now.
Recognizing the value libraries play in communities and understanding the need for an expanded library in Berryville, U.S. Rep. Steve Womack of Arkansas, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), has secured funding for 11 worthwhile projects in District 3, with the Berryville Library Building Project being one of those selected.
This means the Berryville Library Building Project will receive $1 million to cover the unanticipated inflation costs, allowing the Friends of the Berryville Library Inc. to remain on track with their original fundraising plan.
More than 75 members of the community showed up Friday at the future site of the library to show their support to Womack for making Berryville and this project a priority. Womack cleared his schedule to make a surprise appearance at this event being held in his honor. A commemorative photo was taken and Womack was able to share a few words about how this opportunity came about.
“There is not a more important investment for the future than these kids who stand right here in front of me today, than to give them the adequate facilities, like libraries and schools, to help them become more productive and accomplished people,” Womack said.
Joe Scott, president of the Berryville Library Advisory Board said in a press release: “We are extremely grateful to Congressman Womack for his support of the Berryville Library Building Project, which is an essential resource for our rural community. The library engages all sectors of society and connects everyone with educational programs, employment assistance, and e-resources that are not available anywhere else nearby. Berryville is in desperate need of a new public library facility and began raising money for this project right before the pandemic started. Thanks to Congressman Womack, the project will be able to proceed on schedule, despite the soaring costs of construction in our pandemic- afflicted economy.”
These allocated funds were part of the Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus package and will be administered to the library later this year through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. With the revised fundraising goal of $3.5 million and this latest $1 million in support, the Library Building Project has raised 68.8 percent of the total funds, leaving only $1.1 million left to raise.
“We are getting close to the finish line, but we can’t get complacent!” fundraising chairman Tyler Squires said. “It’s going to take all of us continuing to work together and network to raise the remaining funds while we continue evaluating outside funding sources.”
“This is probably one of the most exciting times in the history of the Berryville Library and its Friends, and we have such a dedicated group of Friends, individuals, and community leaders who are all coming together for the benefit of our community on a project that will serve this community for generations to come,” said Calvin Cleaver, Friends of the Berryville Library president.
For more information on how to donate to the Berryville Library, contact Kristy Noble-Tesch at 870654-6565 or stop by the library at 104 Spring St.
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