Library facts

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: May 23, 2008

  I would like to offer some clarification on two points mentioned in the May 14 article “Aldermen debate joint library funding” in the Madison Messenger.
It is the library board of trustees that has been tasked with the responsibility of raising the library’s portion of the project’s cost. However, the library board looks forward to working with the Friends of the Library, as well as other community groups, on this project.
Alderman Monte McIntosh asked a question related to the funding of other library buildings in the county. The current Rockingham County Public Library facilities were built in the following manner:
The Eden location was built with funds from the Fieldcrest Foundation, a memorial and gift fund drive from clubs and individuals in Eden, plus money contributed by both the city of Eden and Rockingham County. The land for the new library was a gift from the Fieldcrest Foundation.
The Reidsville facility was funded by money from the city of Reidsville, a fundraising campaign by the Reidsville Jaycees, and some federal and county funds. The city of Reidsville donated the land for the building.
The major source of funding for the library in Mayodan was a grant from the Economic Development Administration, along with contributions from a local library committee and Rockingham County. The land was donated by a private citizen and the town of Mayodan.
The Madison Rotary Club solicited donations for the original section of the Madison library. W.P.A. funds were also used in this project. The land was donated by the Railroad Committee of Madison Township in conjunction with the T.D. Meador estate. The 1967 addition to the library was paid for by a $20,000 bond issue passed by the citizens of Madison, along with federal and county funds. The lot for the addition was donated by the Penn family.
The original section of the current Stoneville library was funded by a $20,000 bond issue passed by the citizens of Stoneville, along with federal and county funds. The later addition to the building was primarily funded by a federal grant.
Former library director Martha Davis did an excellent job of recording this information when she compiled a history of the library. It is obvious, from a historical standpoint, that funding for library construction in Rockingham County has come from many sources, including the county, the municipalities, civic organizations, foundations, grants, and private citizens.
Jay Stephens
Director, Rockingham County Public Library