Joyce Franke and John May know that with great expectations often come great opportunities.

The two have been named co-chairs of the Great Expectations fundraising campaign for the expansion of Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives.

"This is one of the few opportunities for Pinehurst to do something that will have real impact," May said. "It (Library and Archives) is one thing that can bring the resort people and the people of the community together."

The library board is trying to raise $8 million to renovate and expand its current location in the Pinehurst village center. The plan includes four elements to create a community hub. Included in the plan is an expanded children's section in Given Memorial Library, a Tufts Museum, the Donald Ross Golf Architectural Research Center and Archives, and community hall for meetings, concerts and cultural events. The expansion will occur on the library's current site and will occur solely on its property.

"This is a scary task," Franke said. "But you have to remember this library and archives are important to people well beyond this area. I think for that reason, we will get significant contributions from outside the area."

Both May and Franke bring a vast amount and a wide variety of experiences to their roles.

May is the managing partner of Robbins May & Rich, LLP. He has served on the board of trustees for First Health of the Carolinas and Moore Regional Hospital. He is currently the chairman of Partners in Progress, the economic development organization in Moore County. He has served on the Partners board for a decade.

Franke has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Pinehurst Community Foundation, Sandhills Hospice Foundation, First Health board, and the Pinehurst Historic Preservation Commission.

She founded the Pinehurst Historic Preservation Foundation in 1993 and supervised the restoration and renovation of the Fair Barn and originated the concept for the Village Arboretum while on the foundation, which became the Village Heritage Foundation in 2006.

May and Franke both said the new facility, which will be called the Given Center, will give Pinehurst something unique.

"It is more than just for Pinehurst," May said. "The entire area will benefit from it."

It will provide a place for the community to gather and

learn about Pinehurst's rich history as well as be a gathering spot for visitors and residents alike.

Franke called the expansion project "the most exciting, most creative concepts" proposed since she moved to the area 35 years ago.

"It is a beautiful piece of architecture ... that will light up the whole village," Franke said.

The fundraising campaign will kick off in April with a visit by acclaimed author James Patterson.

Patterson is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. April 5 at Owens Auditorium at Sandhills Community College.

The fundraising campaign will be conducted over a three-year period. One of the first entities to contribute was the village of Pinehurst, which voted unanimously last year to contribute $1 million over the next three years.

May said the expansion will help meet the needs of the changing community.

"Who would have ever imagined a significant expansion of the library that has a significant portion of it dedicated to children?" May said. "I think that is indicative of what the community's expectations are."

Contact Tom Embrey at (910) 693-2484 or tembrey @thepilot.com.