Press Release
June 21, 2021
Friends of the Berryville Library members and community leaders gathered at CS Bank. Charlie Cross, CS Bank CEO, announced the bank’s intention to pledge $100,000 toward the construction of a new Berryville library. The library kicked off a $2.5 million dollar capital campaign on April 1, and the announcement of this pledge puts the library at 30 percent of their fundraising goal.
“CS Bank is pleased to announce our investment into the educational resources of this community by helping to build this library. We are not just contributing toward the construction of a new library, we are investing in the future of educational resources that will serve everyone in this community for many generations to come," stated Charlie Cross at a recent press conference. “We understand that a public library is a cornerstone of a healthy and thriving community that values learning, and as a committed partner in this community, we are grateful to be part of this project,” Cross added. CS Bank, a locally owned bank, opened a branch in Berryville in June of 2009. The bank has remained a strong community partner throughout all of the markets it serves. CS Bank is a full-service bank with offices located in Berryville, Eureka Springs, Holiday Island, Huntsville, Harrison, and most recently Cassville, Missouri.
Receiving the ceremonial check on behalf of the Friends of the Berryville Library was Mary Knight, Friends president; Tyler Squires, Friends Treasurer; Berryville Library Advisory Board President Joe Scott; and Library Director Julie Hall.
The Friends of the Berryville Library recently obtained their 501c3 nonprofit designation, and all donations to the Building Fund are tax-deductible. The Berryville Library is one of six libraries that comprise the Carroll and Madison Library System, also known as CAMALS.
“We couldn’t be any prouder of CS Bank’s commitment to this project and to the value they are placing in the future of this community. Their investment in our library will serve people of all ages long after those of us standing here today are gone!” stated Mary Knight. In addition to raising funds for the library, the Friends have embarked on a membership campaign, and membership has grown well over 160 members.
Joe Scott, Berryville Library Advisory Board President, thanked Mayor Tim McKinney for helping to kick off the Berryville Library Building Project by donating the 2.5-acre piece of land across from the Berryville city pool. “This is just a perfect location for a library given it’s convenient location and all the green space around it, which will allow programming to be held both indoors and outdoors,” Scott stated. “Thanks to this generous donation from CS Bank, we are at approximately 30 percent of our fundraising goal, which is a phenomenal feat considering we just kicked off this building campaign only two months ago!” stated Tyler Squires, Fundraising Committee Chairman.
Knight encouraged everyone who has an interest in the library to show their support and join the Friends. Individuals can join for as little as $10 a year, and a family can join for only $25 per year. Businesses are also encouraged to join.
Julie Hall thanked CS Bank for their financial commitment to the future of the library. “So many people and small businesses in our community rely on the resources of our library. We are helping bridge multicultural and multigenerational gaps by providing assistance with technology, educational programs, and free resources,” stated Hall. She encouraged the community to sign up for the Berryville Library Summer Reading program, which kicked off June 7. It runs through July 30. Area businesses have donated food prizes, and the Squires family is contributing $1 for each hour read up to $15,000 to the Berryville Library Building Fund.
For more information on the Berryville Library Building Project or to learn how you can become a Friend of the Library, visit berryvillelibrary.org/Friends or call (870)423-2323.