Recently AF Bank announced a continuation of its support for literacy by pledging $15,000 to the expansion of the Ashe County Public Library.

“The expansion of the Ashe County Library is funded by the citizens of Ashe County. The funds we have been raising are to pay for the furnishings and computers,” explained Jim McQueen, librarian for the Ashe County Library.

“On behalf of AF’s Board of Directors, we are pleased to make this contribution to the library,” said Bob Washburn, President and CEO.

“We believe the services offered by this facility will give the people of Ashe County more opportunities for continued learning and help to build a stronger community. I personally love to read and read for my enjoyment on a daily basis, so it is very exciting to be a part of this community effort.”

The expanded facility will have many new features that will benefit the residents of Ashe County including a computer lab, teen center, new children’s section, meeting rooms and tutor rooms. One of the tutor rooms will be named to reflect AF’s contribution to the library. McQueen added that “the greatest library is no good if it is not used. We are here to serve the people of Ashe County.”

The construction of the library is scheduled for completion in June 2009. The new façade and expansion can be seen from almost any location in town and will be the entrance to enhanced services and increased shelf capacity. As McQueen noted, the library’s “shelf capacity will increase by about fifty percent.”

AF Bank has already expressed its dedication to lifelong learning through the bank’s ongoing commitment to the Imagination Library. Last year the bank commissioned local artist Stephen Shoemaker to produce a print depicting the joy of reading. Washburn explains that “each time we sell one of these prints we donate the money to the Ashe County Imagination Library.”

The Imagination Library prints are on display at all AF Bank locations in Ashe County and may be purchased for $50.