New Marianna Black Library Campaign

July, 2022 – We appreciate your interest and support of the Marianna Black Library.

On May 12, 2022, the commissioners approved the County Budget for fiscal year 2022-2023. The budget includes an allocation of $500,000 to begin the expansion and renovation of the current library with excavation of grounds and construction of retaining walls south and east of the current library. Look for a Groundbreaking Ceremony in spring of 2023.

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The inclusion of funds in the upcoming budget is a direct result of our Case for Support presentation to the county commissioners at their February 24, 2022 workshop session. We were pleased to have approximately 50 supporters at the meeting. Since this was a workshop, there was no vote taken by the Board regarding the project; however, we believe the presentation was well-received based on their questions and comments. The March 3, 2022 edition of The Smoky Mountain Times reported on our presentation and we thank Jessica Webb for writing such an excellent front page article.

We are excited that this project is beginning to move forward with county budget support. We continue to meet with County Manager Kevin King and Commissioner Danny Burns, their liaison to our committee; and to research grant opportunities and major gifts from larger donors.

If you have any questions or comments – or would like to volunteer to assist with the campaign – please contact Jeff Delfield, librarian, at jdelfield@fontanalib.org or by phone at 828-488-3030, ext. 128.

Contributions for the library are being accepted. Donor forms are available at the library or may be requested from Jeff. Checks should be made payable to the Marianna Black Library Fund, and delivered to the library or mailed to 33 Fryemont Street, Bryson City, NC 28713. All gifts are tax-deductible as provided by law and will be acknowledged by letter. Naming opportunities are available.

We are very excited to be moving forward with this worthwhile project, which will benefit all citizens of Swain County.

- Marianna Black Library Campaign Committee