Library deadline draws near, Ozona Bank leads with new donation

Ozona Bank has continued their support of the Wimberley Village Library expansion and renovation project with an additional gift of $7,500.

Presented on Aug. 22 by Ozona President Kelly Barclay, the funds will go towards the renovation of the library’s existing structure — the second part of the overall project. Prompted by the library’s Aug. 31 deadline to raise the remaining $300,000 for the renovation, Barclay said she hopes the gift will spur community donors to help. “The bank’s directors, officers and staff are excited to be a part of the Wimberley Village Library’s journey,” said Barclay. “We encourage the residents of the Wimberley community to assist in supporting our library and to help us raise the additional funds needed to renovate the existing library.”

The check was presented by Barclay to the Wimberley Village Library Foundation’s president, Carrie Campbell.

“Ozona has not only given us this new gift, but Kelly Barclay herself has donated personal funds to help us meet the deadline,” Campbell said. “This gift could not have come at a more critical time.”

If the $300,000 is not raised by Aug. 31, existing contractors will be required to leave and a new bidding process will begin, adding significant costs and delays.

“We have many grant applications out to foundations and other entities, but we don’t know when, or if, we might hear of their commitment,” Campbell said. “Most of our support has come from private donors.”

The long-awaited renovation would upgrade the existing library in a number of key ways, including updating its heating and air-conditioning systems, replacing its lighting and electrical wiring and completely renovating its bathrooms. Additions would include an adult service area with computers, employment services and a reference library, as well as a Friends of the Library work and sales space with yearround book sales.

Campbell urged citizens to help the library foundation make it across the finish line.

“Donors can donate through the library’s website with a one-time gift or a recurring amount that will add up to a larger gift over time,” she explained. “If it’s easier to write a check, it can be mailed directly to the Wimberley Village Library Foundation at P.O. Box 1240 in Wimberley. Or if you want to pick up the phone, call Library Director Carolyn Manning at (512) 847-2188 and state your interest in donating.”

“Please act now,” Campbell concluded. “Any amount is welcome.”