Friends of the Chicora Community Library Gear Up for Library Facility

In March of 2011, the Butler Library bookmobile ceased servicing northern Butler County residents. Concerned citizens met during the summer in hopes of adding service in the Chicora area. Business owners were approached to house such a function; and earlier this year, Matthew Tack, Administrator of the Chicora Medical Center complex generously granted gratis space along with cost-free utilities at the facility's then existing library.

(Photo right: Volunteers in photo, left to right. Judy Parker, Nancy Campbell, Charlotte Glaspey and Carol Yobp. )

The library-allotted area will be considered a reading room until officially reaching library branch status. It is accessed through the Vista Royale entrance of the Chicora Medical Center that is in the rear of the complex opposite the Quality Pharmacy building. An open house will be scheduled early spring of 2012. 
The Medical Center has remodeled the area (new flooring, tables and chairs, and a computer station for public use) with additional space available in the near future. Currently, evidence of this coming attraction can be seen in the once-bare shelving now harboring reading material, children's books and activities, as well as audio books and movies.
In addition to serving as a source of book distribution for locations previously serviced by the bookmobile, community activities are also planned. For example, on December 2, 2011, the Medical Center hosted a rendition of the Polar Express narrated by Jim McMullen, a retired railroad engineer. More activities are planned including a summer reading program.
In the meantime, fund raising activities have begun with the gracious support of the Chicora American Legion, Post 642. Christmas in Chicora, held the weekend before Thanksgiving, offered a beautiful venue for promotion of proposed library services and  generated much interest. As seen in the photo, volunteers promote the sale of frozen pies and sale of Texas Road House-donated peanuts, along with the Chinese auction. The Chicora Medical Center provided support with free home baked cookies and coffee. 
Library Committee members are actively pursuing other fund raisers to cover the cost of a part-time library worker. Those considering a sponsorship of this endeavor can do so with a $50, $100, $150, $250, or $500 gift.
Visit us at the Chicora Medical Center, and if you are interested in volunteering or supporting this facility in northern Butler County, please contact Judy Parker at 724-445-3258.