The New Marienville Area Library - Capital Campaign
The Marienville Area Library is raising money for a new building. Since the Library needs the community's help and support, the community should know all of the facts.
October 15, 2018
Setbacks…and Forging Ahead
The Marienville Area Library received word in September that we were not awarded the Keystone Grant for Libraries this year. It is a very disappointing blow, as this grant was pivotal to funding the new library construction. Our timeline included having the grand opening of the new building during Oktoberfest 2019--the 50th anniversary of the Marienville Area Library. Now we must regroup, and come up with a new plan and a new timeline.
We Are Moving Forward
The Marienville Area Library Building Committee and the Friends of the Library are hard at work right now making plans for the future. We have no intention of giving up--we are going to have a new library in Marienville. This new library will be designed and built to meet the community’s needs for years to come and will function as a warm and welcoming space for all. Many options are currently being considered right now, and once we have a solid plan in place you’ll be the first to know.
Your Donations Are Safe
Our amazing and generous supporters have donated over $250,000 to this project so far. We want to assure our donors that the funds raised are safe, secure and absolutely dedicated to helping create a new Marienville Area Library. This is the mighty seed that was planted by our community and we will continue to nurture it so our new library will bloom.
Your Input and Assistance are Always Welcome
This is your library--and you are welcome to ask questions or make suggestions as we continue to work on this project. Stop by and take a look at the building plans on display in the library. Volunteer to help out--we need people willing to donate their time as much as we need additional funding. We want this project to be a continuing conversation with the public that the library will serve.
Q: If we have a library, why build another?
A: The Library is warm and welcoming and overstuffed and under-technologied. The current building is a 1960's era pole garage converted to its current purpose in 1982. It is hard to heat and cool. Extension cords run across the floor to connect technology, the lighting is bad, and there is not enough room for current materials, computers, activities and people. In addition the building is not structurally sound according to a 2015 engineering analysis. As to “why a library”, please see Jacklyn McLaughlin—our wonderful librarian’s—discussion of the importance of a library to our rural community.
Q: If I do contribute, how do I know my money will be used for the purpose intended?
A: The Library Board, the Library staff, and the Friends of the Marienville Area Library are very conscious of the duty to properly account for and maintain the books and all the accounting records of this enterprise. Controls have been put in place to insure that all donations are used only for the new library building. Friends of the Marienville Area Library, which manages the building account, is a 501(c)(3) charitable entity. As such, its accounting records can be inspected by the public. A record of all donations is being maintained. If donated funds are not used on the Library building, they will be available for return.
Q: How can I help?
A: A donation may be made
1. In person at the Library—we love to see you
2. By mailing the attached contribution form
3. Or by using the Donate button on the homepage.
In addition this community effort can use volunteers. Grant writers, statisticians, electricians, gardeners are just a sampling of the volunteers this building project needs.
If you have questions, please contact the Library at (814) 927-8552.
