From left, sculptures and portraits honor the late Albert C. Noble and Henry Kegley, whose bequests help make possible several programs at the Bristol Public Library.
The Bristol Public Library Foundation was established in 1999 by a generous bequest from the late Albert C. Noble to help build the new library.
The purpose of the library's Albert C. Noble Mission is to promote a culture of literacy and lifelong learning in Bristol by increasing the use of and appreciation of library services. Noble's bequest has made the Discovery Series possible, as well as salaries for Foundation and library staff and supplemental funding for the Patricia Freedman Literacy Academy and numerous outreach programs.
The Foundation raises, manages and distributes funds to support the programs of the library, whose mission is to "Expand Minds and Build Community...Because Great Communities support Great Libraries." These programs inspire readers and improve the community's quality of life. While tax dollars keep the doors open and books on the shelves, the Library Foundation raises money to provide reading programs for children, supports literacy, and introduces new perspectives that enrich our lives.
The Library Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Bristol Public Library is the only benefactor of the foundation whose primary goal is to support enrichment needs and educational programs that are not covered by the general operating budget from the Twin Cities.
Through the generous support of many civic-minded corporations, foundations and individuals, the Foundation has provided start-up funding for new programs, technology needs, and additional library staff. The Foundation continues to raise additional funds for the library's summer reading program as well as other targeted needs through direct grants and annual sponsorship programs.
Since the new library's grand opening more than four years ago, the Library Foundation and the cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia have been recognized throughout the country for the collaboration of city governments, corporations and private donors. Continuing to maintain that high standard of excellence is dependent on the generous support of community-minded donors.
The Library Foundation Executive Committee includes Candy Snodgrass, President; Bill Shanks, President-Elect; Lois Clarke, Treasurer; and Michael Fleenor, Secretary. Board members are Sid Oakley, Tom McGlothlin, Robert Brien, Eric W. Reecher, K. Thomas Smith, and Jud Barry, the library's Executive Director. Anita Foster Machado is Executive Director of the Foundation.
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