A ribbon cutting and grand opening was held Monday, February 5 for the new Stony Point Branch Library. Local officials, library staff, and patrons were in attendance to be a part of the event and to see the new branch, which is located at 431 Ruritan Park Road in Stony Point.
Those in attendance enjoyed tours of the new branch library, as well as light refreshments.
The new Stony Point branch features all of the same services and resources offered at the main library, including public computers and Wi-Fi. The new branch will be open Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Gloria Hamilton-Parsons is serving as the new branch manager.
Alexander County Library Director, Laura Crooks, said she is excited the library is able to expand in Stony Point, and expressed her appreciation to everyone who helped make it a reality.
“So many people were involved in making this happen. Without everybody’s assistance, we wouldn’t be here,” Crooks stated. “We’re open, and we’re thrilled to be here in Stony Point, so I hope this will be the first of many fabulous days here at the library.”
Ronnie Reese, Chairman of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners, said the new branch in Stony Point is a nice addition.
“On behalf of the County, I thank everyone for coming out this morning. It is a great day here in Stony Point. I was able to see the building on the first visit, after EnergyUnited moved out of it. I want to thank EnergyUnited for being able to donate the building to the County,” Reese stated. “I think it will be a big plus for people in Stony Point. We’re trying to do things in all areas of the county, not just one part. I think this will be something that will benefit the people. I thank the library people for all their hard work in putting it together.”
Miranda Burgin, Chairperson of the Alexander County Library Board of Trustees, said the new branch library is a true gift to the community.
“This library is an opportunity for people in Stony Point to have a place to come and develop their talents, to learn new things, to access the world through Wi-Fi, and most importantly to come together for lifelong learning experiences, which is what the library is all about,” Burgin said. “The library staff have worked so hard and have done such an incredible job. We hope you use this library as your own because it is a gift of love from Laura, the library staff, and the County to you.”
Alexander County Sheriff Chris Bowman was also in attendance at the grand opening.
“The county and its library staff saw an opportunity to upfit this building and bring an extension of the library down to Stony Point, which will make it more convenient, not only for the adults but for children, too,” Bowman said. “When they get off from school, it can help further their education. I think this shows that Stony Point is growing. I’m really excited that this has opened up.”
Gloria Hamilton-Parsons said she is excited to be the branch manager for the new location.
“The residents of Stony Point will have a nice facility…because we’ve really worked hard for you to have a facility like this,” Hamilton-Parsons said. “It’s for all the kids and adults in this area to enjoy a reading program, use the facilities to find a job, or whatever it is they need. We’re here for them.”
View more photos on Google Photos.
To learn more about the Stony Point Branch Library and all of the resources, programs, and services provided by the Alexander County Library, visit www.alexanderlibrary.org or call (828) 632-4058.