$10,000 challenge by Ozona Bank for Wimberley Library
Expansion of the Wimberley Village Library could be $10,000 closer to becoming a reality by the end of May thanks to a challenge grant from Ozona Bank.
The bank is the first business in Wimberley to issue such a challenge. The bank is offering a match of $5,000 if residents and other businesses pitch in another $5,000.
Volunteers from the Wimberley Library Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit raising funds for the expansion, will join with staff members from the bank on Thursday, May 2, to kick off the month. They will have buckets to collect donations from motorists right outside the bank at the intersection of Ranch Road 12 and River Road. They will also be there on Friday. Then, on Saturday, donations will be sought by volunteers at a special booth set aside for the challenge.
Every Friday through the month, volunteers will have a table to receive donations inside the bank. Volunteers will also be at Brookshire Brothers on Friday afternoons. On every Monday, a similar table will be located at the library specifically to help the bank and library reach the challenge goal.
“Ozona Bank is honored to provide a matching contribution of up to $5,000 for donations to the Wimberley Village Library!” said Kelly Barclay, president and CEO of the bank. “As a long-time member of this community, we believe we have a responsibility to support organizations providing educational, cultural and community-oriented programs that enrich the lives of all ages within our community. The bank’s directors, officers and staff are excited to be a part of this journey of growth and improvement for the Wimberley library. We encourage the residents of the Wimberley community to assist in supporting our library and help us surpass our goal!”
The library board of trustees has already approved an architectural design for the expansion of the library for two primary purposes: to have more space for young people and to have more space for community programs and activities, available on a nocharge basis.
In addition, the board has purchased about 2.5 acres just north of the library and west of Chapel in the Hills to accommodate the expansion and to add much-needed parking space.
“Ozona Bank has consistently invested in the Wimberley community throughout the years,” said Carrie Campbell, chair of the library foundation board. “This donation challenge makes it clear that Ozona Bank recognizes the importance of our library to this town. The library serves as a place for community gatherings, educational resources, an employment center, training opportunities, entertainment and outreach. The library space is currently too limited to house all the services it is otherwise capable of providing; it must expand to meet the demand. The library foundation thanks Ozona Bank for addressing this need and taking a lead to promote the library expansion.”
Library Director Carolyn Manning said, “On behalf of the library staff, volunteers, and board members, I thank Ozona for their support in our fundraising efforts! Ozona has proven to be a big supporter of our community through the years and we feel honored that they feel the library is a worthy cause.”
The complete expansion project is expected to cost in the range of $2 million to $3 million.
For other information about how to donate, visit the library website at wimberleylibrary.org . Or call Carroll Wilson, director of development, at 512-842-3054. Information is also available at the front desk of the library at 400 FM 2325.