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Alabama Public HELP SUPPORT One-Time Donation
$10 Monthly Donation $100 Annual Donation CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SUPERSTORE Shop at your favorite store, save and the merchants will give a percentage of their profits to the library and right now until Dec. 31, 2008 CVN will give an additional $5 for every order over $25.
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Fort Deposit Public Library
A new chapter in the history of Fort Deposit resulted in the town opening its first public library. The library is located in downtown Fort Deposit on the corner of W. Jones St. and S. Pollard St. Fort Deposit, the largest town in Lowndes County, has been in existence since 1813, and until now the nearest library was 15 miles away. “Having a public library provides an opportunity for our residents to have a brighter future and help our community grow,” said Fort Deposit Mayor Fletcher Fountain. Hours of operation are Monday - Friday from 3-6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 12 noon. Recent national studies based on a survey of library users, economic development officials, government officials, library staff and others have shown a number of benefits to having a public library. These include helping prepare patrons with critical skills for the job market and is deemed critical to the economic and educational well being of a community. Services range from providing children's programs and services, computer training and literacy services, information on setting up and running a small business, meeting space for workshops and seminars on topics such as home buying, job hunting, and tax assistance. Libraries have also been shown to be a service which attracts patronage to local businesses and increase local property value. Outpouring of support “We are very fortunate to have had an outpouring of support from people from around the state,” said Dan Therrien, Fort Deposit Library Board president. “Donations have been incredible. The nearly 11,000 square foot building was donated by the Charles Haigler family, office furniture was provided by the Alabama Public Library Service, a complete library shelving setup was donated by the Foley Public Library, scores of books were donated by local residents and libraries from around the state, and financial donations from local businesses, churches, county commission and individuals. We’ve even been fortunate to have area licensed contractors volunteer their services to conduct needed interior renovation.” “My grandfather, Charlie B. Haigler Sr. started our families' automobile business in 1928. My father, Charlie B. Haigler, Jr. made the tough decision to relocate the dealership from Fort Deposit to Greenville in 2000 when he opened "Greenville Motor Company," explained Charles Haigler, III. “The people of Fort Deposit continue to be some of our best customers. My mother and I could think of no better purpose than to donate the former "Fort Deposit Motor Company" property for the new public library. My grandfather and father would be very proud to see that Fort Deposit is "on the move,” Haigler said. The library board has submitted a grant to procure a $7,000 computerized library management system which will allow for card cataloging, inventory, barcode scanner and labels for identifying books, creating patron cards, tracking system for book checkout/checkins, and more. Therrien said the Fort Deposit library will eventually offer a number of computer courses from basic computer operation, to website development and business skills, etc. Those wishing to make a financial contribution may contact Dan Therrien at 334-227-4600. Library Volunteers Needed Those with librarian experience who would like to help set up by cataloging books and volunteering to help operate the library may also call Dan.
Charles Haighler III turns over the deed from the former Fort Deposit Motor Company to Fort Deposit Mayor Fletcher Fountain at noon Aug. 1 from the library parking lot while live on the air with WAKA-TV’s Meterologist David Baxley to provide local coverage during “David’s Roaming Weather Wednesday” broadcast. Benny Stanford, Friends of the Library member who helped raise thousands of dollars for the library, and Blu Braden representing Southern Electrical and Mechanical, Inc. in Lowndesboro which is volunteering their services to conduct library renovation, watch on. (photo by Dan Therrien) |
