Library books are housed on shelves arranged like the spokes of a wheel in the circular lobby of the classroom/chapel building. Study carrels, computer access and other normal library accessories are non-existent.

Fruitland President Kenneth Ridings and the school's trustees are anxious to build a library to benefit current and future students, and to name it in memory of former president Randy Kilby.

J.D. Grant was employed by the school to continue previous development efforts, and a sum approaching $1 million (depending on the stock market) is now in hand. That leaves school officials more than $1.5 million short of the $2.525 million in estimated costs for construction and furnishing of the library.

As a GB entity, Fruitland cannot borrow funds or let contracts independently. An earlier request from school officials to borrow the entire balance from Convention reserves prompted the BSC's Executive Committee (EC) to review and clarify policies regarding the use of reserve funds. Committee members determined that the maximum amount available from the Convention's unrestricted reserves was $650,000 to $700,000 for any single entity, considerably less than Fruitland's request. The EC then asked school officials to present a detailed plan outlining fund-raising efforts and demonstrating an ability to repay any borrowed funds.

In August, the EC granted Fruitland permission to solicit funds directly from N.C. churches during a capital funds campaign.

Weeks later, on Sept. 28, the EC formulated an additional recommendation to affirm the construction of the Randy Kilby Memorial Library and to authorize further consideration of a loan from Convention reserves after the successful completion of Phase I of Fruitland's capital funds campaign. Phase I calls for raising $1 million in addition to funds currently on hand. The EC expressed concern that the contract/building phase not begin until adequate funding is assured.

On Sept. 29, prior to the EC recommendation, the GB heard a renewed request from Ridings and Grant that Fruitland be allowed to begin construction immediately, with permission to borrow up to $1.4 million from reserve funds, as needed, and trusting that other necessary funds would come in during construction. The EC stood by its recommendation that construction not begin until Fruitland successfully completes Phase I of its capital funds campaign.

In a wide-ranging discussion, GB members expressed strong support for construction of the library. Jack Glasgow, pastor of Zebulon Baptist Church, who also is a member of the Executive Committee, called for a state-wide effort to assist Fruitland in raising funds. Both Convention Executive Director-treasurer Jim Royston and GB President Larry Harper pledged their support of such an effort, and others echoed the sentiment.

Fruitland graduate and GB member Johnny Foster urged the Board members to approve construction immediately, noting that his church had completed and paid for a building project that fiscal consultants would not approve. GB members should act on faith and not be bound by fiscal policies alone, he said.

After further discussion, the GB approved the EC's recommendation to affirm the project but delay construction until Phase I is successfully completed. Harper noted that the EC meets monthly, and could recommend a faster track toward construction if fund-raising efforts warrant.

Ridings and Grant expressed both appreciation for the GB's concern and disappointment that construction would be delayed, but agreed to work within the guidelines. Ridings asked that Fruitland's capital needs be publicized at the Convention meeting in November, and was assured that promotional efforts would be evident.