It's been a long time coming, but we're getting this new library started finally...

As of this week, we have accomplished a lot in getting the new library underway:

• Site? Check. (Liberty St. and Huff Drive in St. Matthews, near the Court House)
• Architect? Check. (W. Daniel Shelley of JDMS, Inc. of Sumter, SC)
• Partners? Check. (OCTech will operate QuickJobs Training Center alongside library)
• Design? Check. (The building includes elements of several historic buildings on the site and architectural details drawn from downtown buildings)
• Historic Overlay District Approval? Check. (The committee loved the design)
• Permits? Check. (DOT gave their approval for all necessary permits)
• Contractor hired? Check. (Custom Steel Fabricators of Gaston, SC)
• Funding? Ongoing. (State, local, and grant funding for workforce center secured so far, and corporate and private contributions are coming in via capital campaign)

Here's an image of the front (corner) entrance to the new library. The colors aren't finalized yet, but it gives an idea of what is to come.

We're thrilled about what this will mean for the County and our patrons. New and expanded services and collections, improved technology access, and a productive partnership with OCTech all make for an exciting new chapter in Calhoun County history. Stay tuned, and I'll post more when the earthmovers arrive!