About $20,000 worth of books could be available at the Marshall Public Library if a challenge grant is met by Dec. 15.

"This is huge for Marshall," said Janet Black, Friends of a Public Library president. "This is capitol H-U-G-E – huge for this library."

The Skiles Challenge Grant Donation, offered by the Skiles Foundation, will match every dollar raised by Friends of a Public Library up to $20,000, said Patsy Harmon, MPL director.

Last year, the foundation gave $15,000 through the friends organization to buy books.

The money raised, like most donations to the library, comes through the friends because it is a 501(c)(3), tax exempt organization.

The library has suffered from a lack of funds for years now, in fact it almost lost state accreditation last year – which is incredible for a town the size of Marshall, said Ms. Black.