Our Viewpoint: Donation puts long-awaited library projects within reach

It was the first time – and it could quite possibly be the last time – for our local library to receive an over $1 million donation.

The community has the late Gentry Moffitt to thank for around $1.2 million left to Magness Library in his will.

What exactly the library will do with this unexpected wealth will certainly be a popular topic for discussion. What is known is many projects once thought unattainable are now within reach thanks to one man’s generosity.

Some members of the library board have hinted they would like to undergo a full-scale expansion. Others think the first step should be to install an elevator to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Still others believe the money should be put in savings to draw interest before any projects are started. That way the principal can remain intact and library projects can be addressed every few years using the interest.

Whatever the ultimate conclusion, it could be said the library is on the best financial footing in its history. That’s because Magness Library, like most libraries in Tennessee and throughout the nation, is way down on the list of priorities when it comes to funding.

That’s not to say local officials don’t understand the importance of a library. But with so many other pressing needs such as schools, police protection, quality roads and emergency services always devouring government funding, a library is often stuck with the leftovers.

That’s the reason Magness Library has been forced to fund the bulk of its improvements and its recent property acquisition through $200,000 from private donations. The money isn’t going to come from any other source.

That’s why this $1.2 inheritance is so exciting.

It gives the library money it never would have had access to otherwise. Improvements and programs that were once only mentioned when talking about wish lists are no longer unthinkable. They are a reality.

That means new computers can be purchased when needed. Any necessary books and research materials can be bought without having to worry about breaking the bank.

Whatever decisions library board members ultimately reach, the Standard is confident they will act in the best interest of Warren County citizens. Thanks to the generosity of Gentry Moffitt, our library can make strides never before thought possible.