December, 2015
Friends of the Port O’Connor Library, Inc.
Progress Report Toward Building a New Library and Learning Center for Port O’Connor, Texas
The Board of Directors of the Friends of the Port O’Connor Library, Inc. is very pleased to share our wonderful news. Since beginning the Capital Campaign a little over a year ago, we have increased the assets for our project from $37,000 to over $478,000, not including the value of the land that has been set aside by the county for this purpose. This has been accomplished through direct mail appeals, fundraising events, individual and foundation donations and in-kind donations to provide HVAC and plumbing from some very generous members of the community.
We have revised our budget to reflect a structure cost of $600,000 plus $150,000 for furnishings, equipment and technology. No expenditures of any donations designated for the construction and furnishing of the library have been used to cover our operating costs. Once the building is complete, it will become part of the Calhoun County Library system and they will assume responsibility for the maintenance and operation of the building.
We are working closely with the county officials to create an attractive, low maintenance, environmentally friendly and accessible structure. We have selected an architect and are in the process of designing a plan that can be presented to Calhoun County officials for approval by early 2016. This plan will be designed to provide maximum use of space and will be an attractive inviting space that all of Port O’Connor can be proud of for years to come.
Additional grant applications are in process, more fundraising efforts are being planned and our efforts continue.
We are sincerely grateful for all contributions and look forward to seeing the reality of a new Library and Learning Center that will enhance our community and benefit all of our residents and visitors alike. If you have not yet had an opportunity to participate in this project with your donation, we hope that you will consider doing so.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Whitworth, President
Friends of the Port O’Connor Library, Inc.
