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the award because of his dedication and support to the local library system, as he has worked to foster a community of library advocates to join him in his cause.
“He takes an interest in libraries all over the world, rejoicing at their successes and supporting their causes by educating himself and writing legislators in support of the need for public libraries. His work has supported many community projects locally that enrich the people’s lives,” Ohoopee Regional Library System Director Cameron Asbell remarked.
Holman was also essential in the massive renovation of the Vidalia-Toombs County Public Library into the Dr. Mark and Tonya Spivey Public Library, as he recognized the importance of the library to the community and the need for change.
According to Asbell, in 2020, the library system struggled to operate on a budget that had not increased in 20 years. At the Vidalia branch, the roof leaked, turning on the air conditioning unit from 1968 was a safety risk, and the library did not have enough space to properly accommodate patrons. This budget made it extremely difficult to operate the library system’s 7 branches, which span across 4 counties, leading her to work to build support for much-need renovations.
During this time, she met Holman while he was mowing the library’s lawn, which he did without being asked, and invited him to join the library’s board of trustees. He obliged and used his fundraising experience from previously helping to build support for the construction of a local hospital and cancer center and the establishment of the local Boys and Girls Club, along with his leadership from the numerous officer positions in local civic clubs on which he had served to quickly get to work to better the system.
“When Holman joined the board, the library was in talks to renovate its Vidalia branch, which also housed the system’s regional headquarters. The project was projected to begin in 3-4 years, but Holman recommended that the renovation begin sooner,” Asbell explained. “We appreciated his enthusiasm, but we weren’t sure that starting the project sooner was even possible.”
During his first year on the library board, Holman – a previous Vidalia Citizen of the Year – recruited new board members who were active and influential in the community, including former city council members, journalists, and fundraisers. With the support he helped to build, the project timeline moved up to 18 months and had over $750,000 in donations pledged.
The library renovation was completed and the new facility opened in April 2023, and has since served as a pillar in the community. Yet, Holman’s enthusiasm continues to spread throughout the community.
“He actively encourages community members and businesses to become members of our Friends of the Libraries organization. He participates in the improvement of our buildings, working with all parties involved in any renovation projects,” commented local Friends of the Library Member Marlene Tomlin. “He is involved in every aspect of making our libraries a productive entity in our community.”
Senator Blake Tillery added, “He sees no task too big. He also sees no task others may view as beneath them. He’s one of a kind and irreplaceable, and someone you want in your corner. He did this all while continuing to personally cut the grass and maintain the grounds at the library!”
Holman also spoke on the honor, saying that he wanted the public to know that this award should not only belong to him, but with others who made the renovation possible. “I am very humbled by this recognition, but I truly want everyone to understand that I share this award with the library management, an incredibly productive Board of Directors, and Senator Blake Tillery, whose vision for the library and leadership in Atlanta made this happen,” he emphasized.
