Friends of the Berryville Library members and community leaders gathered outside the Anstaff bank as CEO  Steve Stafford and Market President Kevin Robertson announced the bank’s intention to pledge $50,000 toward the construction of a new Berryville library.   The library kicked off a $2.5 million dollar capital campaign only five short months ago, and this announcement puts the library at 37 percent of their fundraising goal.  

“We are proud to make this investment in the Berryville Library which provides such important resources in Berryville and the surrounding communities," stated Steve Stafford, CEO. Kevin Robertson, Market President for Anstaff Bank, said that Anstaff has been giving back to the communities we serve since 1931. Anstaff Bank currently has 13 locations and 12 ATMS serving communities across Northwest and North Central Arkansas. 

Friends of the Berryville Library President Mary Knight was on hand to receive the ceremonial check, along with Berryville Library Advisory Board President Joe Scott; Friends Treasurer Karen Johnson; Building Project Fundraising Committee Chairperson Tyler Squires; and Library Director Julie Hall. 

Last year, the Friends of the Berryville Library recently obtained their 501c3 nonprofit designation, and all donations to the Building Fund are tax-deductible.  The Berryville Library is one of six libraries that comprise the Carroll and Madison Library System, also known as CAMALS.  

“To have this much community support by our local banks is overwhelming!   Their support will last for generations and generations to come, and we couldn’t be more grateful” stated Mary Knight.  Since the building project fundraising campaign began, the Friends of the Library organization has grown to over 160 members.  

Joe Scott, Berryville Library Advisory Board President, thanked Anstaff for this show of commitment to the community. “It takes a village to embark on a campaign of this magnitude, and Anstaff is a wonderful partner to have in our village.  We appreciate the investment Anstaff has made in the long-term future of our community.”  The announcement of this latest gift from Anstaff Bank puts the library at approximately 37% of their fundraising goal.  

Knight encouraged everyone who has an interest in the library to show their support and join the Friends.  Individuals can join for as little as $10 a year, and a family can join for only $25 per year. Businesses are also encouraged to join.   

Julie Hall thanked Anstaff Bank for their financial commitment to the future of the library. “So many people rely on the library for so many different things. People come to the library to check out materials, access the internet, apply for job, or just to see a friendly face. We are so grateful that Anstaff sees the value our library brings to our community,” stated Hall. 

For more information on the Berryville Library Building Project or to learn more about donating,  or to learn how you can become a Friend of the Library, visit berryvillelibrary.org/Friends or call 870-423-2323.