April 23, 1983
HUNDREDS ATTEND LIBRARY OPENING
Treutlen County’s spacious new library was filled with local citizens and many out-of-town guests during dedication ceremonies Sunday afternoon. Gov. Joe Frank Harris headed a list of visiting dignitaries, which included representatives of the state department of education, the state librarian, and contractors and sub-contractors who were involved in the design and construction of the facility.
Gov. Harris praised everyone involved in making the new library a reality, and he was especially complimentary of the local efforts that went into it. He indicated that good libraries are as important in attracting new people and industries to a community as are schools, stability, and transportation facilities.
The invocation for the ceremonies was given by a long-time friend of Gov. Harris, the Rev. Reginald Edenfield, retired pastor of the Soperton United Methodist Church. The Rev. Tom Beyerly, pastor of First Baptist Church, gave the benediction.
Will Peterson, a member of the library board, was master of ceremonies, and he introduced the chairman of the library board, Hayes Lawton, who remarked on the history of the local libraries and highlights of the planning and construction of the new building.
Mrs. Lawton credited the late Mr. W. L. Sessions, who served as county school superintendent in 1931-32, as the person responsible for beginning what was to become the county library. Mrs. Sessions heard about the availability of used books from Boston, Massachusetts, and she obtained a selection of them which were kept at the courthouse for public use.
After that, Mrs. Lawton recalled, the library was housed in a small building that is now one-half of the Pine City Restaurant. Mrs. Jezzie Renfroe was librarian of that crowded nook which was practically stacked full of books. The beloved lady was responsible for the guidance and motivation toward reading for hundreds of Soperton’s young people. The children’s corner of the new library is dedicated to Mrs. Renfroe, and the site on which the building stands was donated by her daughter, Mrs. Neva Williamson, also a member of the library board.
Mrs. Lawton also recalled the great moment in 1959 when the doors of the Sparks Memorial Library were opened to the public. That building was given to the citizens of Treutlen County by two of the community’s most generous benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. R.M. Sparks, who also donated the health center building, which is now used by the board of education.
The new library was built and furnished at a cost of $301,000. The has 5,000 square feet of space with a seating capacity of 1934. The multipurpose room will accommodate 50 people.
