Library expansion campaign gets financial boost

Marion County Library’s Capital Campaign Expansion project received an unexpected boost this week. 

Thanks to the efforts of Elista Smith, a member of the Capital Campaign Finance Committee, the library received a $5,000 donation from the UNAKA Foundation of Greenville, Tennessee.
All three of our system’s libraries are in desperate need of expansion. 

We have been in an ongoing campaign for a number of months.  Our community goal of $625,000 in cash and in-kind contributions is at the 35 percent success mark.

The initial design phase has been completed and paid for. 

We have an immediate need of $375,000 to make the project shovel ready. Shovel ready is a requirement for stimulus funding.  It would be a shame to miss this opportunity. To date, of the $98,029.91 that has been pledged for the project, we have received $72,184.91.

Gifts to the project are a way to make a lasting memorial or to honor a family member or friend. 

Naming opportunities at various levels are available and we would be pleased to discuss your ideas about your contribution with you. 

Additional project details are available on the Library’s website at http://www.marioncountylibrary.org under the expansion project tab.

Your tax deductible contributions will be used to make the project shovel ready and help us qualify for grants and state and federal monies which are for the most part gap funding. 

We’ve got to provide evidence of existing funds for this project for many of the grants that we would choose to pursue. Any amount that you are able to contribute will be greatly appreciated.
Beth S. Stedman of the Clemson Institute for Economic and Community Development has graciously agreed to lead the start up of a “Friends of the Library” group. Their immediate goal will be to obtain 501-3C status and to assist and support the library in its expansion campaign. 

If you would be willing to make a short-term commitment of six months or so to help this new group get started, we are looking for friends and for friends willing to serve on a steering committee.
We want members from Mullins and Nichols as well as Marion. If you are interested in being a part of our efforts, you may contact Beth Steadman by e-mail at , or call her at 843-430-4800.

We thank all those community-spirited people who are helping Marion County reach this necessary goal. We believe that expanded library facilities will benefit our entire county in a number of important substantial ways.  By joining us in actively supporting this project, you can help us make improved library services a reality.