By Jim Thompson, the Walton Tribune
More than 800 people attended the Grand Opening with 54 new members signing up
Photo credit: Jim thompson
Hundreds of people watched a yellow ribbon flutter to the ground and then filed through the doors of Loganville’s new O’Kelly Memorial Library as it opened Saturday morning with a ribbon-cutting for its first official day of operation.
The library is named for Willie D. O’Kelly Dubois, a lifelong educator who spent her life as an advocate for children and families. She was instrumental in establishing the original O’Kelly Memorial Library on Conyers Road. She died in 1988, two years before that library was dedicated in her honor.
Loganville Mayor Branden Whitfield had the line of the morning at Saturday’s ribbon-cutting as he called the new facility a “Swiss Army knife of a library.”
The reference to the multiple-use tool was a nod to the various features of the new library — a learning laboratory, a special space for teen visitors, plenty of couches, chairs and tables for reading or studying, and even a 3D printer, among other features — that clearly signal the generously glass-walled building to be much more than simply a place to check out books.
Urging the people who attended the ribbon-cutting to enjoy getting to know their new library, Whitfield called it “the living room of Loganville.” His comments echoed State Librarian Angela Stanley, who told the Saturday crowd that “modern libraries are community living rooms.”
Stanley, who also serves as vice chancellor of public libraries for the University System of Georgia, said the new O’Kelly Memorial Library, at 210 Main Street in downtown Loganville, will foster “the beginning of thousands of small, wonderful moments.”
The new 10,833-square-foot O’Kelly Memorial Library — there has been some consideration given to expanding the facility by another 2,000 square feet — replaces the 7,162-square foot former O’Kelly Memorial Library.
Construction of the new library was funded with a $3.9 million in state grants, $1.5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated to the city, $1.2 million in “impact fees” from the Walton County government, and $100,000 in private donations.
Stacy Brown, director of the Azalea Regional Library System, a six-county group of public libraries that includes O’Kelly Memorial Library, called the new facility a “wonderful asset for Loganville” as she recognized the library’s staff, its Friends group, the library trustees, and the many donors to the new facility for their pivotal roles in making it a reality. Those donors, displayed in long lists posted around the library, include current and former city officials, local businesses and professional offices, individuals and couples.
Lisa Luttrell, chair of the O’Kelly Memorial Library Board, touted the “absolutely gorgeous” new library on Saturday as “a modern and safe facility” for the community.
Also speaking at Saturday’s ribbon-cutting was state Rep. Rey Martinez, R-Loganville, a former mayor of the city.
“This is your place, this is your library,” Martinez told the crowd as he referenced the sometimes-difficult work of securing funding and support for the new O’Kelly Memorial Library.
“It wasn’t easy,” Martinez said, “but good things come a little hard.”
Whitfield also recalled the difficulties encountered on the way to getting the new library built, which included some resistance from some members of the city council.
But Whitfield went on to note the new library’s role in the city government’s ongoing efforts to help spur a redevelopment of the downtown area, noting its location “here on our Main Street, that is turning around every day.”
That very much adult concern was probably not much on the minds of young Eve Castillo and her sister, Etta, as they looked through the stacks Saturday — with some help from their dad, Daniel — for books to take home.
“I like checking out chapter books,” Eve said, as Etta took a minute to take in the new surroundings.
“It’s big,” Etta said as she wandered around the main section of the new library, complete with a wall mural that spells out “Loganville” in scenes depicting the city’s history.
The Castillo family moved to Loganville in 2020, and are regular library patrons. Looking around Saturday at the new library, Daniel Castillo said simply, “We’ve been waiting for a long time.”
Also on hand for Saturday’s library opening were Kristina Bradford and her teenage son, Colin. Like the Castillos, Bradford and her son, who is home-schooled, are frequent library visitors.
“It’s just beautiful,” Kristina Bradford said of the new library. She also was excited about the fact that it offers Loganville an enticing “third space” — a venue besides home, or school or workplace — where people can relax, socialize and build a sense of community.
For Colin Bradford, the physical surroundings of the new library were a source of wonder.
“I think I really like that mural,” he said.
Overall, more than 800 people came through the library Saturday, and 54 of them signed up for new library cards.
The new library is open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
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