Our library, initially built in 1908, is a staple of the Stamford community and is one of only five functioning Carnegie libraries in Texas. We are incredibly proud to have such a historic and unique building in our small West Texas town that still operates as originally intended. Our community and city leaders have continued to support the library over its lengthy history, and we could not do our work without the generous support of our community. 

Local libraries are vital community resources, offering access to many books, periodicals, and digital resources. As a small community of only 2,900 people, we believe that our library is an essential aspect of the community and its well-being, offering many programs and services not found elsewhere. We are proud to be a local organization that enriches Stamford and our surrounding communities through free programs. We provide free access to information and educational materials for people of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of their economic status. Our library offers a safe and welcoming space for people to study, read, learn, and engage with others.

Moreover, our library plays a crucial role in promoting literacy and education. We provide several programs and activities for our children, such as our Summer Kid’s ClKid'she after-school tutoring program, Dress for Success, which provides dresses and suits ranging from pre-k to high school age clothing for special events (Prom, Daddy Daughter Dance), and job interviews, and both our Apollo and SRC (Scholastic Reading Counts) programs. We also offer computer access and access to digital resources, including genealogy research and language learning.

Like many historic buildings, our library’s structure requires remodeling and renovation. As we begin to revitalize our energies and efforts in our library, we feel that many structural changes, improvements, and updates are both desired and necessary for us to function at our highest standard. We come to your organization seeking assistance with the financial costs of the significant repairs and upgrades our building desperately needs. Our library consists of three floors with a total square footage of 12,750. Several structural and cosmetic changes need to be completed for this major renovation project. Our total cost for this renovation $9,550,100.

Our library can only use the first level (basement), which is approximately 3,800 square feet. Due to their structural integrity, the primary and second floors are unusable. We plan to renovate the entire building to meet federal guidelines. We need to have a pressure of 150 p.s.i to house books on the main floor, but we currently have only 50 p.s.i. We plan to use the basement level of the building as a meeting space for book clubs, AA/NA groups, study groups, etc., and to move our books, periodicals, and similar items to the main floor.

Another key issue is that our library is not ADA-friendly or accessible to those in wheelchairs or unable to use the stairs. Ensuring accessibility for all people is one of our top priorities for the building. This includes updating our bathroom to be ADA-accessible. We currently have only one functioning bathroom for the entire building, so adding more bathrooms is also part of the renovation project.

We greatly appreciate your consideration of our organization for our funding. Local libraries are indispensable assets that enrich communities and improve the lives of their residents, and we believe we do this well. The renovation of our building would only help us serve our community and those around us better, and we invite you to be a part of our efforts.

With sincere appreciation,

Ann Pippin

Library Director