Libraries Are Not A Relic, Former Representative Says

Former state Rep. Chuck Williams told a crowd of more than 50 people who turned out on Saturday for the groundbreaking of the 5,900-square-foot addition to the Bogart Library that getting state funding for library construction today is difficult because of a misconception.

“When it comes to libraries, there’s a challenge at the state to make sure that everyone needs to understand that libraries--public libraries like this--are not a relic,” Williams said.

“Sometimes we find ourselves having to challenge the thinking that, well, everything is done on a tablet or a smart phone now,” Williams said. “Why do we need this money in bricks and mortar?”

The turnout and enthusiasm for the expansion project were testimony to the importance of the Bogart Library to the community, Williams said.

Valerie Bell, Athens Regional Library System director, called Williams “the moving force to ensure that this library expansion got off the ground and the project on the (funding) list.”

Williams said Bell was giving him “much more credit that I deserve” and said former Rep. Regina Quick and Sen. Bill Cowsert were crucial in getting the $1.8 million in state funding for the project.

For more on the story, including a video of the event, go to Oconee County Observations.

Pictured: State Forestry Commissioner Director Chuck Williams.