BY MARGIE DIGIOVANNI
ECLECTIC REPORTER FOR ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEW
TOP PHOTO: BETTY COKER IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING THAT WILL SOON HOUSE THE ECLECTIC, ALABAMA MUSEUM OF HISTORY
ECLECTIC, ALABAMA – The Eclectic Public Library is a beehive of activity throughout the year. Reopening soon will be Story Time for Children on Saturdays. Library Director Betty Coker and volunteers take time to read to children who attend.
During the summer a reading program is promoted with prizes for those who read the most books. At the end of the program this year, 177 children attended, and read 220 books.
In the annex attached to the library there is a gift shop, with a little something for everyone. That barely scratches the surface of the annex’s importance. Music and Spanish classes are provided for children and adults. There have been job fairs, theater for teens, as well as social occasions.
Recently installed outside the front door is a new Library Giving Box. A project instigated by Katy Farris, became reality under the talented hands of Clyde Williams. Visitors see the sign, “Take One.” As people are doing just that, the library scores another success for those who work as employees and volunteers.
One of the most exciting new ventures is a museum showing the history of Eclectic. Behind the library is a building that once operated as part of a bus manufacturing facility. It now awaits a new life.
Current plans include displays beginning with when Indians lived in the area through today, and a 70-inch television showing the history of Eclectic. A volunteer will be on hand to answer questions. The centerpiece of the museum will be a collection of memorabilia and articles from Jimmy Lanier. His interest in how this town began has resulted in his being the point of reference for questions concerning Eclectic history. A handicap ramp insures availability to all residents.
The work is slow but steady and volunteers abound. Highlands Church of Montgomery arrived to take down old shelving and clean the inside of the building as well as the library. Lorenzo Correo offered his services to install a new metal roof, bought with funds from Betty Coker’s efforts writing a grant proposal to The Daniel Foundation. The foundation responded with $15,000 toward the project.
Meanwhile, inside the library itself, the hot water heater broke down. Chris George came to the rescue donating and installing a new one. Kitty Hopkins, a regular volunteer, cleaned and organized the gift shop. Recently, 20 of the town’s people formed a committee to move the museum toward completion. Eileen Kennedy, another person generous with her time, volunteered to write thank you notes to all involved.
Donna Parr, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the library, is a multi-talented lady who loves being involved in all avenues the library director opens. Between Parr and Coker, there is little imagined that they cannot turn into reality. Collaborating with them is Rebecca Roberts, a lady jack-of-all-trades.
In addition to the programs and projects, other services such as copying, faxing, scanning, and computer access are available to the public. Though small in physical size, Eclectic Public Library stands tall in the never-ending quest to pull children and adults into the fascinating world of books.
Do you have Eclectic news to share? Contact Margie DiGiovanni by email at mysticmaggie836@gmail.
