FAQ

The Marianna Black Library opened in 1970 when a growing demand for library services made it necessary to have more room for books and magazines. Over the years in response to increased demands from the public, services have needed to expand to include more digital products, more STEM and other educational programs, and areas designed for individuals and small groups to collaborate and socialize in a safe, public space. We need to expand now more than ever.

 

Originally the Library Board had considered a new location and new facility with estimates of $8 million plus. The board and staff wisely re-worked the project scope to become an expansion and renovation of the existing 9,029 sq. foot facility. The updated facility will have 15,225 sq. ft., and will cost an estimated $6.8 million.

 

Individuals, civic groups, bequests; business and foundation gifts/grants; and government entities at the local, state and federal level will have the opportunity to contribute.

 

Project construction is scheduled to begin in April of 2025 with the new construction on the North and South sides. This will take approximately 12 months, and be followed by the renovation of the interior, which is expected to take another 4 months. The anticipated completion date is late summer of 2026.

 

Yes, over the past 15 years, the Fontana Regional Library System (of which Marianna Black Library is a member) has built new libraries in Franklin and Sylva and renovated the libraries in Cashiers and Highlands. These new and renovated facilities have attracted more people for increased services and enhanced programming. Swain County can confidently expect similar results when the renovated and expanded library opens in Bryson City.

 

The proposed library site is designed to meet the requirements for ADA accessibility and will provide accessible parking with accessible routes to entrances for patrons and employees. The new proposed building interior is also designed for complete ADA accessibility throughout. The circulation desk, interior corridors and circulation routes, door approaches, plumbing fixtures, and all required areas are to be accessible.

 

Of course. Expanded and improved Library services will mean increased staffing levels and expenditures for collections, resources and supplies. Swain County library costs are still way below the costs of other neighboring counties.

 

For Swain County families and businesses to have the kind of community that inspires life-time learning, our community and County needs – and deserves – a larger, more modern facility, with updated equipment and greater capabilities, to serve community members and visitors alike. With increased space and the group meeting rooms, we will finally have the capability for simultaneous programming.

 

We encourage you to first come take a tour and see what is planned. You are always welcome to contribute to the Marianna Black Library Fund in your own name, as a family, in honor of a loved one, or for your company. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law, and you will receive a written acknowledgment for your records.  IRA Charitable Rollovers, gifts of stock, and in-kind giving of material resources and/or reduced product rates are also options for giving. In addition, there will be unique naming opportunities for many spaces. Please tell your friends about these exciting opportunities and ask them to help, too. To schedule your tour, please call or email Jeff Delfield, Swain County Librarian, at 828-488-3030, ext. 128 or jdelfield@fontanalib.org.

 

* US Decennnial Census, 1970 & 2020.