The Whitesburg Public Library will celebrate its 10th anniversary at a public reception on Saturday, March 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the library.  The afternoon will feature a look back at the library’s first 10 years, door prizes and refreshments.

Ten years ago, on March 31, 2008, the Whitesburg community realized its dream to have a public library.  The opening followed six years of fund-raising.  The City of Whitesburg committed $100,000 from SPLOST revenues and the Carroll County Board of Education donated land.  Working with the Rural Library Project, the Friends of the Whitesburg Public Library group raised $150,000 to supplement the SPLOST revenues through foundation and government grants, corporate, civic and private donations and fund-raising events.

“When the Friends worked to open the library, we said we wanted to change lives in the community for the better.  The library is accomplishing that goal as it is enriching and improving the lives of many people here,” said Jackie Pate, president of the Friends of the Whitesburg Public Library.

“Since its opening, the library has become a gathering place for the community.  It is where local residents come for entertainment, high-speed internet access computers, Wi-fi, educational opportunities and special programs.  Children find story times, educational programs, a Lego wall, Sunday afternoon movies, gardening, free tutoring and more,” she said.

The library works closely with Whitesburg Elementary School on special events such as STEM programs.  The library and the Friends of the Library are partners in education with the school.  The library is a branch of the West Georgia Regional Library System and a member of the Georgia PINES Library System.