>> LOCAL LITERACY
The Mary Vinson Memorial Library will be undergoing renovations on a yet-to-be-announced timeline after receiving $1 million dollar in state funding.
The Mary Vinson Memorial Library building was completed in 1986 and has deteriorated overtime due to use. Twin Lakes Libraries (TLL) branch manager Dana Portwood recently announced that the library will be renovated soon thanks to a state fund. The fund will be provided 90% by the state and 10% from local government sources. Portwood expressed both gratitude and excitement for the upcoming project.
“We have been on a waiting list for a few years now and this is our lucky year,” said Portwood. “These funds will be used to improve the Mary Vinson Memorial Library and its library services.”
While specific details of the renovations for the upcoming project have yet to be announced, the TLL Board of Trustees approved a Macon-based architectural firm named BTBB, Inc to handle design work at their March 2 meeting.
“We have several structural items that are being looked at for the renovation and some potential ideas for the renovation as well,” said Portwood. “We have thought about adding some meeting room spaces, updating technology, and updating the lobby amongst other things.”
The library building will be closed during the to-be-announced renovation. However, Portwood reassures that library services will continue and that they are actively looking for an area near downtown for when that time comes.
“We will give the community a few months notice before closing down for the renovations,” said Portwood. “Our hope is that library services will be nearby in the downtown area.”