The Middle Georgia Regional Library System operates community libraries in seven counties.  In 2017, the West Bibb Public Library closed due to the loss of their lease. The Riverside Public Library has experienced significant changes to the area they serve. The system has a goal of improving access and operational efficiencies. In order to continue to fulfill the Library’s mission to connect all people to the information necessary to improve their lives through excellent services and materials, the Middle Georgia Regional Library System searched for a property in the Northwest area of Bibb County to serve the library patrons in the areas of North Macon and West Bibb.

To meet this need, the Middle Georgia Regional Library System purchased a lot with four building structures located at 5494 Forsyth Road in December 2021.  This new facility is also part of a new partnership with the Friends of the Library, which is already using one of the buildings on the site for their bookstore and programming space.

A New Library for Northwest Bibb

In order to renovate and connect the other buildings on the property into a new branch library, the Middle Georgia Regional Library needs to raise $1 million.  The renovation cost includes connecting the two primary buildings with an atrium and circulation desk, renovating the two buildings to be able to accommodate stacks, paving the parking lot and adding an exit onto Marjane Drive.  This new location also features a great outdoor space and pavilion that will be used by the Friends and Library patrons for outdoor programming.

The State of Georgia has committed $500,000 as a challenge grant toward the renovations of this new Library, and the Middle Georgia Regional Library is seeking to raise $500,000 to match the state funds by March 2023.  For lead gifts, there are a few naming opportunities available.

Your philanthropic investment in the new Library located at 5494 Forsyth Road will be instrumental in connecting all people to the information necessary to improve their lives for years to come.

How to Give

The Middle Georgia Regional Library System’s endowment partner, Community Foundation of Central Georgia is the fiscal agent for this specific project.  Your contribution to CFCG (Tax ID # 58-2053465) for The Library at 5494 Forsyth Road Fund is fully tax-deductible.

You can make a gift today by sending your check made payable to “Community Foundation of Central Georgia” with “The Library at 5494 Forsyth Road Fund” on the memo line to:

Community Foundation of Central Georgia
577 Mulberry Street, Suite 1600
Macon, GA 31201

A gift to this fund is a great way to honor or memorialize a friend or loved one.  Include the name of the honoree and the person to be notified, and CFCG will send an acknowledgement of your gift.

You may also support this initiative with other charitable gifts:

• A charitable distribution from your IRA may satisfy your required minimum distribution.
• A gift of appreciated securities may help you avoid paying capital gains taxes.

To discuss how you can make a charitable gift to this initiative, please contact Julia Wood at the Community Foundation of Central Georgia at 478-750-9338 or jwood@cfcga.org.

*Please note: This information should not be considered as legal, tax or financial advice. Consult your professional advisor for further information and guidance.