MARATHON –– Marathon Public Library has been awarded a 2025 Texas Book Festival Library Grant, which will fund the addition of more than 100 new books to its collection — primarily focused on updating and expanding nonfiction offerings for both children and adults.
This year’s grant comes at a crucial moment, as the library opens its newly expanded facility. The ongoing Heart of Marathon capital campaign has enabled MPL to quadruple in size, creating designated areas for children, teens and adults. With this additional space, the library can now house a broader, more inclusive collection that reflects the growing demand from both residents and the many visitors who come to Marathon each year.
“This grant helps us do more than just add books to shelves, it helps us build a collection that reflects the needs and aspirations of a growing, diverse community,” said Dara Cavness, library director. “With our new space, we can finally give nonfiction the focus it deserves.”
Nonfiction materials, ranging from history and science to memoir and social issues, are constantly evolving. The grant will allow the library to offer more current, relevant, and thought-provoking books that support lifelong learning and engagement. These resources will benefit students, families, seniors and tourists alike.
The Texas Book Festival Library Grant program plays a vital role in supporting public libraries across the state, especially in rural areas where funding for new materials can be extremely limited. Since 1995, the program has awarded more than $3.7 million to Texas libraries. Marathon Public Library is proud to be one of just 50 Texas libraries selected for this year’s award. Since 2018, the Texas Book Festival has awarded MPL a total of $13,500 to strengthen its collection. The library is deeply grateful for this ongoing partnership, which directly supports its efforts to foster literacy, expand access to knowledge, and strengthen community connection.
