Thank you, Congressman Womack!

This is exciting news for us! We still have work to do to raise the $1.1M we still need to build our new library but it is a time to celebrate! Read the full press release for all the details.

Congressman Womack Helps Berryville Library Building Project Secure $1M Investment

January 13, 2023— The Friends of the Berryville Library will receive $1 million in Community Project Funding to support the Berryville Library Building Project.

Construction costs have been on the rise. When the original projections were made for our new library, the cost was estimated at $2.5 million.  Today, in our pandemic-afflicted economy, the projection has increased to $3.5 million.

Recognizing the value libraries play in communities and understanding the need for an expanded library in Berryville, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-District 3) requested $1 million in Community Project Funding in the Fiscal Year 2023 federal budget bill for the library project. This request was made specifically to cover the unanticipated inflation costs so that the project could remain on track with its original fundraising plan given, in the Congressman’s own words, “the amount of local investment…and real sweat equity” already demonstrated by the town.  When the FY 23 Omnibus was passed just before Christmas, this funding was secured. The Berryville Library project was one of 11 worthwhile transportation and community infrastructure projects in this region to be boosted by federal money this year, thanks to Congressman Womack.

Today, over 75 community members showed up at the future site of the library to show their appreciation to Congressman Womack for making Berryville and this project a priority.  The Congressman made a surprise appearance at this event to share in the excitement. As he stated to the group, “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.” 

President of the Berryville Library Advisory Board Joe Scott shared, “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.”

“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,” stated Calvin Cleaver, President of the Friends of the Berryville Library.

The Friends of the Berryville Library are continuing to raise money with the goal of reaching the $3.5 million goal and breaking ground by 2025. To date, with this $1 million investment, the Berryville Library Building Project has raised 68.8% of the funds needed for the new library and has $1.1 million left to raise.

For more information on how to donate to the Berryville Library Building Project, contact Kristy Noble-Tesch at (870) 654-6565 or stop by the library at 104 Spring Street.

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Photo:  Congressman Womack was surrounded by Friends of the Berryville Library along with business leaders and other community members all showing their support for his help in securing a $1 million investment in the library building project.