Construction Begins Today for $25 Million Billy Graham Library

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) is holding a private groundbreaking ceremony for the Billy Graham Library today on the organization’s new headquarters in Charlotte, N.C.

The BGEA board of directors conceived the idea for the 40,000 square foot library to fulfill Graham's mission of preaching the Gospel for generations to come.

"The library will present the message that Billy Graham has preached all over the world all these years and will give them the opportunity to respond to Jesus Christ," said Preston Parrish, executive vice president. "It is simply a fulfillment of the BGEA to present the Gospel to as many people as possible."

The Billy Graham library, which has been four years in planning, will be an interactive facility that chronicles the life and ministry of Billy Graham. The 25-million dollar library will display exhibits, multimedia displays, and films in the midst of a recreated dairy farm. The family-friendly complex will also include the original Graham family home, a resource center, and an on-site restaurant.

The library is expected to open in early 2007 and will be free to the public. It is estimated that the library will attract some 200,000 people each year.