North Huntsville Library

This is a concept drawing for a new, state-of-the-art library for North Huntsville to be built on the site of the former Berachah Academy at 3011-A Sparkman Drive. That library moved a step closer this week with a $2.5 million gift toward library construction from Redstone Federal Credit Union. (Courtesy photo)

Redstone Federal Credit Union has donated $2.5 million to help build new libraries in north and south Huntsville and Madison. The gift, which is the largest single donation in the library system's history, was announced Monday in Huntsville.

"We search out those opportunities where Redstone can be a catalyst for positive change in the community," RFCU President and CEO Joe Newberry said. "This is definitely such a project. Libraries encourage the adoption of technology and lifelong learning. Those goals are very much in line with our credit union's goals."

The library is conducting one fund-raising campaign for all three buildings because their timelines overlap. "We are one library with 12 branches," library Executive Director Laurel Best, "and we are equally passionate about all of the communities we serve, as are our donors like Redstone Federal Credit Union."

Library officials are planning new libraries at the site of the current Grissom High School, the current Public Safety Training Academy on Sparkman Drive and in midtown Madison.