Friends of the Berryville Library members and community leaders gathered outside the First National Bank North Arkansas main bank on the Berryville square as FNBNA President Doug Carr 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 in April 2021, and this announcement puts the library at 35 percent of their fundraising goal.  

Doug Carr, President, and Tasha Flanagin, SVP at FNBNA, presented a ceremonial check to the Friends of the Library.  “On behalf of our board of directors, shareholders and employee-owners, we are honored to commit to the library building fund project.  Our bank has supported many causes and organizations over the past 132 years and we are pleased to be a part of something that will serve many generations to come” stated Carr.

While receiving the ceremonial check, Friends of the Library president Mary Knight stated, “Our hearts are so grateful for FNBNA’s commitment to this project and to the value they are placing in the future of this community. Their investment in our library will serve people of all ages long after those of us standing here are gone!  It is awesome to be part of something that will make such a difference in our community!”  In addition to raising funds for the library, the Friends have embarked on a membership campaign and now has over 160 members.   

Joe Scott, Berryville Library Advisory Board President, thanked FNBNA for their continued support of the community and for this most recent commitment to the Berryville Library Building.   The location of the proposed library will be across from the city pool, offering ample green space around the library to allow for children and adult programming to be held both indoors and outdoors. 

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.  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.  

Julie Hall thanked FNBNA for their financial commitment to the future of the library. “So many people and small businesses in our community rely on the resources of our library. We are helping bridge multicultural and multigenerational gaps by providing assistance with technology, educational programs, and free resources,” stated Hall. 

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

~~~~~~

Photo:  (L to R): Friends President Mary Knight; Berryville Library Advisory Board President Joe Scott; Friends Treasurer Karen Johnson, Chair of the Building Project Fundraising Committee Tyler Squires; Library Director Julie Hall; FNBNA President and Chief Credit Officer Doug Carr;  and FNBNA SVP, Director of Human Resources Tasha Flannagin.