Historic Fellsmere library to get new library; $2 million boost comes from federal grant

FELLSMERE — A $2 million federal grant will help add a 21st century library to the site of the historic, 110-year-old Marian Fell Library here. The new public library and resource center is to feature literacy programs, tutoring, youth services, a small-business incubator, a workforce-development and job-training area, broadband-enabled technology labs and human services and veteran-support offices.

The new full-service library will feature both physical and digital resources.

U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indian Harbor Beach, announced the grant Aug. 13 at the Fell Library.

It's not yet known how much the project will cost or when work would begin.

"We hope this project will lift up and provide opportunities for individuals who might otherwise not have access to these services," said Haridopolos. "This is a one-stop shop to give people the ability to change their lives."

Initial money
The grant represents seed money to get the project off the ground.

The project likely will require much more money which, Haridopolos said, will need to come from public-private partnerships.

"A collaborative efforts between governments and private parties leads to better success," explained Haridopolos. "The greater number of people invested, the more community buy-in."

State Rep. Robbie Brackett, R-Vero Beach, said he hopes to also secure state funding for the project.

"I was brought in a little late, but I am hoping the state can provide some money as well," said Brackett. "My job is to let Tallahassee know the need here."

For now, the project is in the planning phase, explained Indian River County Commissioner Susan Adams, whose district includes Fellsmere.

Grassroots beginning
The idea for a comprehensive library and community center began in 2017, originating with a grassroots organization known as the Fellsmere Action Community Team.

During its meetings, Annie Mae Brown, pastor at Fellsmere Community Outreach and Preschool, led the charge, but kept running into road blocks.
"In the eight years we've worked on this, we kept running into funding hurdles," said Brown. "This (grant) is exactly what we needed.

"Fellsmere is the community that needs this help the most," she said, "In a few years, we can look back and see the testimonials from the men and woman that this is helped, tip our hats and smile, knowing we did a great thing."

Larger campaign
While Haridopolos secured $22 million in federal funding for 15 projects in the 8th Congressional District, replacement of the Marian Fell Library is the only one in Indian River County.

His overall goals are to clean waterways and aid in environmental restoration, upgrade infrastructure, improve public safety and aid workforce education and job training.

"We're trying to change lives and build up our constituents," explained Haridopolos. "This type of project will go a long way in changing countless lives."

Historic library
The library, 63 N. Cypress St., was dedicated May 1, 1915, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

It's named for Marian Fell Vans Agnew, the daughter of Fellsmere's founder, Edward Nelson Fell.

Marian Fell, who was one of the Russian playwright Anton Chekov's first translators, used her royalties from translating several plays and short stories to build the library.