continued from page idea of ….

continued from page

idea of creating a library first began when a group of determined women worked with the Montgomery County Schools Superintendent to establish a learning resource for the community.

Though the group was not supported by any grand institutions or investors, they were assisted by Georgia Bell Peterson and then Brewton-Parker College Librarian C.B. Sharp. The team worked together to form a public library, which was manned first by high school senior Ann Kitchens, and later by Edna Earl and Frankie Stanford, who dedicated her life to work with the library until she passed away in 1971.

Tragedy struck in July 1953, when the hotel caught fire, damaging some of the library’s collection and equipment. The community came together to salvage what they could of the remaining books, which were stored temporarily in the Montgomery County Courthouse.

After the fire, the library’s location continued to change often – moving from the Montgomery County Prison Camp to the School Supervisor’s office, to the old telephone office, which was located across the street from the Courthouse. Though the moves were helpful to ensure that the public had access to knowledge that they needed, the constant relocating highlighted the urgent need for the library to find a stable home.

In 2000, the current Montgomery County Public Library was built. Since then, the location has served as the center of literacy and learning within the community, offering insightful programs for youth and quiet working spaces for adults.

“This long journey underscores the persistence and commitment of the Montgomery County community to literacy and access to information,” Ohoopee Regional Library System Director Cameron Asbell remarked. “It’s a story of local heroes who, through their unwavering commitment, built a lasting legacy for generations to come. The Montgomery County [Public] Library stands as a testament to the power of community spirit – a reminder that even from the most humble beginnings, great things can be achieved.”

Members of the community came out to celebrate the library’s resilience and longstanding presence within the community on Wednesday, April 9. During the open house, the Montgomery County Schools Literacy Bus was for the public to tour, and the library informed citizens about the many programs and services which the facility has to offer.