Next summer, we should be moving into our new library. It’s an exciting time for us, but our work is not quite done!
We have raised all the money we need to build the building, but we still need to raise money for furnishings.
You might be wondering what in the world are furnishings or why we can’t just use the furnishings we already have.
The new library is going to be triple the size of our current library (!) and also feature much-needed spaces devoted to different groups in our community, including the children’s section and the YA section for teens. That expanded and specialized space is really going to help us with providing programming and services that are difficult to do in our current location. We’ll also have some new types of spaces our current library doesn’t have, like study rooms, a real meeting room (community groups will be able to use too!) and outdoor spaces/patios.
However, that also means we do not have enough furniture currently (or the right type of furniture) for all that badly needed extra space.
Have you ever noticed how tightly packed books are on most of our shelves? That’s because even in our current library, we need more shelving. Of course, there’s nowhere to put that shelving there, but really, for a collection to be more accessible for both patrons and staff, the books shouldn’t have to be squashed together like sardines.
Donating to the furnishings campaign ensures that you can easily pull books off the shelf when you’re browsing and also that you might even see books you’d otherwise never pick off the shelf because they would be displayed properly.
Do you like to hang out in our comfy chairs? We’re pretty proud of our chairs and the sheer variety of them we have been able to pack into our space. But the chairs we currently have are not going to be enough to fill our new space, and–we can probably all admit–some have just seen better days.
Indeed, there are times when we don’t really have enough chairs for our current space. If you’ve attended any of our adult programming, you’ve probably experienced the mad dash for available adult chairs before we have to start borrowing them from nearby computers or daring to test the limits of the kids’ chairs and/or tables.
Donating to the furnishings campaign ensures that there will be enough adult chairs to go around for book club or a Monday Meetup. It also means we could hosta proper book tasting or painting workshop at our own facility because we would have enough space for all participants to comfortably participate.
We have a great circulation desk we’re fond of, but it won’t fit into the space the main circ desk needs to go in the new building. Plus, due to the size of the building, we will need a second circ desk back by the children’s area. This will make it much easier for everyone to check things out and make sure there is a librarian nearby to answer a question and help you find what you are looking for, no matter what part of the new library you’re in.
Donating to the furnishings campaign ensures that the new library is functioning fully with two circ desks the day we open.
Shelving, chairs, children’s and teen furniture, circ desks–these are furnishings and the types of items that we are raising money for now.
This campaign, which runs through January 31, 2026, is also your last chance to land a spot on any of the naming opportunities in the new library.
Want to be on the donor wall? You’ve got another 6 weeks to do so!
Want your name or the name of a loved one on one of the rooms or areas of the new library? You’ve got another 6 weeks to do so!
You can drop donations off at the library in person or mail them to us at 104 Spring Street. You can also donate online. If you’re interested in talking through naming opportunity options or have any questions about donations, please reach out to Kristy Tesch at berryvillelibrary2025@gmail.com or at 870-654-6565.
What aspect of the new library are you looking forward to most next year? Tell us in the comments!
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