Overflowing Library Thrift Store growing
Members of the Friends of the Marble Falls Library pose for a groundbreaking photo at the site of the future expansion for the Marble Falls Library Thrift Store. Pictured (from left) are Friends board member Kathy Jamail, store assistant manager Cassi Payne, past board President Bob Talbert, current board President Deann Randle, store assistant manager Jim Jamail, board members Barbara Bluhm, Josie Ramirez, Cheryl Minard, and Gregg Blake, Jordan Tausch of First United Bank, and head of construction Kelly Steele of Square Foot Solutions. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Members of the Friends of the Marble Falls Library stuck their shovels in the future site of a major expansion to the Marble Falls Library Thrift Store on Wednesday, Feb. 12, kicking off construction that should be completed by 2026. Plans include renovating the existing store and building another structure.
The thrift store, 300 Avenue J, is a major source of funding for the Marble Falls Public Library. The expansion will open up more floor space for more inventory and more revenue.
“The community is very generous, and we are busting at the seams (with donations),” store assistant manager James Jamail told DailyTrib.com. “There is just merchandise everywhere that we don’t have the room to process.”
The Library Thrift Store project will bring the total space from around 8,000 square-feet to about 15,000 square-feet. The existing building will be gutted and completely renovated.
Thrift store revenues go to the Friends of the Marble Falls Library group, which makes major contributions to the library, assisting with maintenance, new books, community programs, and more.
“Generous donations lead to increased shopping, which enables us to pour more funds back into the library,” said Friends group President Deann Randle. “I think we can all agree the library provides essential services, now more than ever. The Thrift Store expansion is a win-win for all citizens of the Highland Lakes.”
According to Randle, Marble Falls Library usership is growing, and along with that is the need for more funding.
“Our community is growing rapidly,” she said. “New cards are issued daily, so our fundraising efforts have to expand as well.”
The Marble Falls Library is part of the Burnet County Library System, so it receives some money from the county. However, it is heavily reliant on funding from the Friends group.
“The Marble Falls Public Library is a successful collaboration between the city of Marble Falls, the county of Burnet, and the Friends of the Library board,” Randle explained. “Each of these are vital contributors to its success.”
Learn more about the Friends of the Marble Falls Library and how to get involved on the Marble Falls Public Library website.