The Blue Ridge Regional Library (BRRL) launched a $2.6 million fundraising campaign for the Bassett Branch Expansion and Renovation Project on March 16, 2023, with a significant pledge from the Harvest Foundation.

The ‘Build a Better Library Book by Book’ campaign will increase the size of Bassett Library from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet, nearly doubling its size. The additional space will include a separate children’s department, a community meeting room large enough for 50 people and a drive-through to make checking out books more convenient for visitors such as the elderly, disabled, and mothers with sleeping children.

Pictured left to right: Litz Van Dyke, Lisa Brown, Beverly Lyle, Stephanie Nalls, Karen Barley, Melissa Chapman, and Margaret Caldwell

The Blue Ridge Regional Library Foundation received a generous $15,000 donation from Carter Bank in support the “Build a Better Library Book by Book” campaign. The campaign aims to increase the size of the Bassett Branch Library by adding a dedicated children’s department and larger community meeting room.

Libraries play a vital role in our communities by providing access to resources and services to support life-long learning and promote personal growth and well-being. The BRRL Foundation appreciates Carter Bank’s generous support of this project.

WDBJ7 News: Bassett Library will see major renovations through $2.25 million fundraising campaign

For up-to-date information, please see the Blue Ridge Regional Library’s website, Facebook page, and the “Bassett Branch Library Expansion Project” Facebook page.

2023 and 2024 Highlights

BRRL Foundation received grants from the Charity League of Martinsville and Henry County, the Hooker Foundation, AEP Foundation, the Irving and Jeth Groves and Groves-Chaney Foundations, the Stanley Famil Foundation, and an Anonymous Family Foundation.

BRRL Foundation received grants from Women in Philanthropy to renovate the Bassett Library public restroom.

MHC Rotary Club and Bassett Cruise-In donated 50/50 proceeds to the Bassett Expansion Project, three TGIF events, and three Cruise-Ins

BRRL Foundation received support from the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia. 

Foundation Steering Committee Events: Photos with the Grinch, Touch-a-Truck, Bingo (ongoing)

Business and Service Club Donors

  • The Friends of the Library
  • Stanleytown Ruritan
  • Horsepasture Ruritan
  • Bassett Funeral Service
  • Rotary Club of MHC
  • Bassett Cruise In
  • Wright Funeral Service
  • Woodman of the World #48
  • Martinsville BPO Elks
  • Current Events Club
  • Bassett Moose Lodge
  • Bassett Heritage Festival
  • Gamma Beta
  • Adkins Construction
  • Virginia Blower
  • Fieldale Insurance Agency

Thanks to our many individual donors!

BRRL Patrick County Bookmobile

The BRRL Patrick County Bookmobile was ordered in 2018, delivered and dedicated on 3/27/2019. The bookmobile librarian is Gayle Wagoner. The bookmobile holds 3000 items and serves the communities of Aararat, Claudville, Critz, Meadows of Dan, Patrick Springs and Woolwine, including six Patrick County public schools, one private school and Appletree Developmental Center. It has an annual circulation of over 16,000 catalogued items. It serves 1000+ patrons per month, and travels approximately 8000 miles per year. It participates in the Summer Reading Program, along with all of the other BRRL branches.