Friends of the Library announced that with recent donations and fundraisers, nearly $100,000 has been secured toward the library expansion project. Kicking off with a small book and beverage sale in October, fundraising efforts began in earnest to pursue this multi-year financial goal. Ending the year with an online silent auction and registering for online donation services such as AmazonSmile, Kroger Community Rewards, and GoFundMe Charity has provided the groundwork for this important addition to Lewis County Public Library and Archives.

"We are very grateful for the support and donations made to our online auction. This fundraiser showed us that we can still host fun, effective, and safe events during this unique and challenging time," states Friends president Glena Sikes. In addition to many personal item donations from supporters, local businesses showed their support for the December online event including Amber Falls Winery, Factory Connection (Hohenwald), Pugtastic Grooming, The Elephant Discovery Center, Hohenwald Flowers, Jones Hometown Pharmacy, Burger King (Hohenwald), Hair Etc., Lazy Dog Tax Service, Hometown Grounds Coffee Co., Olive Branch Natural Soap Co., The Fancy Peacock, Yoga with Sarah King, Real Smokue BBQ, Snappy's Pizza (Hohenwald), Homestead Restaurant, and Rock House Coffee & Event Center. Mrs. Sikes said, "We have more fundraisers planned and hope to do another auction in the spring as well."

The library expansion project will almost double the size of the library, as well as update the current facility to meet the needs of the 21st century. With a large community meeting room, additional multi-stall restrooms, a designated computer/tech space, this construction includes an important climate-controlled room for historical county archives and other important documents. The entire library will be upgraded to meet current ADA requirements for special needs access. Friends of the Library intends to collect funding for this project without requesting a county tax mandate.

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity organization, donations made to Friends of the Lewis County Public Library are tax deductible. Information on ways to donate to this important project for our community can be found on their website at http://www.lewislibraryfriends.com or by visiting Lewis County Public Library and Archives.