Congress Womack helps Berryville Library Building Project receive funding

Exciting things continue to happen for the Berryville Library Building Project. When
the original budget projections were made for the proposed library, the cost was estimated at $2.5
million. No one could have ever predicted rising construction costs as another effect of the pandemic,
but they make the project closer to $3.5 million now.
Recognizing the value libraries play in communities and understanding the need for an expanded library
in Berryville, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-District 3), a senior member of the House Appropriations
Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government
(FSGG), has secured funding for 11 worthwhile projects in District 3, with the Berryville Library Building
Project being one of the selected.  This means the Berryville Public Library Building Project will receive
$1 million to cover the unanticipated inflation costs, allowing the Friends of the Berryville Library, Inc.,
to remain on track with their original fundraising plan.
Over 75 members of the community showed up Friday at the future site of the library showing their
support for Congressman Womack for making Berryville and this project a priority. Congressman
Womack cleared his schedule to make a surprise appearance at this event being held in his honor. A
commemorative photo was taken and the Congressman was able to share a few words about how this
opportunity came about. Congressman Womack stated to the group, “There is not a more important
investment for the future than these kids who stand right here in front of me today, than to give them
the adequate facilities, like libraries and schools, to help them become more productive and
accomplished people”.
According to a recent press release from Joe Scott, President of the Berryville Library Advisory Board,

“We are extremely grateful to Congressman Womack for his support of the Berryville Library Building
Project, which is an essential resource for our rural community. The library engages all sectors of society
and connects everyone with educational programs, employment assistance, and e-resources that are
not available anywhere else nearby. Berryville is in desperate need of a new public library facility and
began raising money for this project right before the pandemic started. Thanks to Congressman
Womack, the project will be able to proceed on schedule, despite the soaring costs of construction in
our pandemic-afflicted economy.”
These allocated funds were part of the Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus package and will be administered to
the library later this year through the Department of Housing and Urban Development. With the revised
fundraising goal of $3.5 million and this latest $1 million in support, the Library Building Project has
raised 68.8% of the total funds, leaving only $1.1 million left to raise.
According to Fundraising Chairman, Tyler Squires, “We are getting close to the finish line, but we can’t
get complacent! It’s going to take all of us continuing to work together and network to raise the
remaining funds while we continue evaluating outside funding sources.”  
“This is probably one of the most exciting times in the history of the Berryville Library and its Friends,
and we have such a dedicated group of Friends, individuals, and community leaders who are all coming
together for the benefit of our community on a project that will serve this community for generations to
come,” stated Calvin Cleaver, Friends of the Berryville Library President.

For more information on how to donate to the Berryville Library, contact Kristy Noble-Tesch at (870)
654-6565 or stop by the library at 104 Spring Street.