Sundown community members showed their support of the grand reopening of the Sundown Library Thursday morning.
City of Sundown Mayor Jonathan Strickland offered a few words for those in attendance before the ribbon cutting.
“With the theme of “Building Better Together,” we have had numerous organizations and individuals assist the City of Sundown in the transformation of our library,” said Strickland.
The city council, mayor, Mayor Pro-Tem Lonnie Geisler, Dennis Heatherly, Doug Barry, Ron Holson, Bret Fryar and Jeremy Niell joined with Sundown ISD and its board to negotiate the purchase of the building that is now the library to benefit the whole community.
Library Directory A’ndrea McAdams petitioned numerous foundations locally and throughout the state for funds, with a total of nine grants awarding a total exceeding $750,000 from 2022-2023.
Those foundations include the National Historic Preservation Trust Forum, the American Library Association, the American Library Association, the Parkhill Building Community Fund, the M.S. Doss Foundation, the Prentice & Alline Brown Foundation, the CH Foundation, the Tocker Foundation and the FMH Foundation.
Locally, beyond city employees, the project has had assistance from Sundown ISD students from multiple classes who have given their time to take ownership in the facility.
“We wish to thank these teachers for specifically for coordinating volunteers: Mr. Richardson, Mrs, Gattis, Mrs. Goodman, Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Bufe and school administration,” said Strickland.
Through an additional grant, the partners in Library Action Network coordinated volunteers and community members offered aid by spending time packing and unpacking boxes.
“The heart of the library reopening in 2018 were from Carolyn Mason and Linda Canon, for whom we are grateful,” said Strickland. “The dream and drive from A’ndrea McAdams has given this building new life for future decades and it is her desire and love for learning and literacy will continue to impact Sundown for generations.”
The new library facility will be providing several resources for the community of Sundown to utilize and enjoy. Ranging from public access to computers, a children’s area, a meeting area and e-sports area.