In last month's column, I discussed many of the activities that take place on an average day at the Bella Vista Library and I tried to emphasize our need for more space. I have had some ask what they could do to help. Well, I'm glad you asked!
Even though the City of Bella Vista is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the library, the building itself belongs to the Bella Vista Public Library Foundation. It is the Foundation that will be responsible for expanding the space we have.
As it is now, our building is a little more than 7,000 square feet, which was a wonderful facility for Bella Vista when it was built in 1996. But as the city has grown, the need for more room has increased.
To meet those needs, the Foundation plans to at least double the size of our current building. For those of you who use the library on a regular basis, you know how important this is and how badly it is needed.
The Foundation already has a design in place that will increase the space and repurpose our existing building. The cost of the project will be $4.2 million and the Foundation must raise the money before construction can start.
This is an enormous task for the Foundation Board and they need your help. They have been busy applying for grants and donations and have already raised about $1.7 million. That means another $2.5 million is needed before construction can start.
The Foundation is now asking for help from the public to raise the rest of the funds. Any and all donations are appreciated, no matter the size.
One way you can help is by attending a concert on April 17 that will benefit the Library Foundation. The Swon Brothers, a country music duo and finalist on "The Voice," will be headlining the event. The concert is sponsored by Mach-1 Financial Group and is free to the public.
During intermission, a video will be shown telling the story of the Bella Vista Library and our need for expansion. At the event, donations will be taken for the Library Foundation, which will go directly toward the expansion.
We are so appreciative of David Lee and the Mach-1 Financial Group for hosting this event that will so greatly benefit the Library Foundation. Even though the event is free, you must go the www.mach-1financial.com to reserve your ticket.
The sooner the Foundation raises the funds, the sooner construction can start! This expansion is so badly needed and every penny that is donated will move us one step closer to having the library that Bella Vista needs!
Make your donation payable to Bella Vista Public Library Foundation and drop it by the library or send it to Bella Vista Public Library Foundation, 11 Dickens Place, Bella Vista, AR 72714. We greatly appreciate your help.
Community on 04/01/2015