Jemison Library thanks their donors
Published 2:46 pm Wednesday, May 26, 2021
From left, librarians Tammie McGriff, Cheryl English, Councilman Allen Wilson, Mayor Eddie Reed, Councilman Donnie Lane, Councilwoman Donna Manasco and Councilman Rex Bittle. (CHERYL ENGLISH/ CONTRIBUTED)
From left, Mimi Penhale, April Weaver, Tammie McGriff, Cheryl English, Lexi Carr, Jack Hayes, Will Mcminn and Jonathan Lowery. (JERRETT POSEY/ ADVERTISER)
Jimmy Martin’s family and Tammie McGriff with Jimmy Martin’s remembrance plaque. (JERRETT POSEY/ ADVERTISER)
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By JERRETT POSEY/ Intern
The Jemison Public Library hosted a garden party on May 25 to thank everyone who has donated to the library or that worked on making it so special.
It has been around two years since the library changed locations from Jemison City Hall to Main Street, and they love the new location. From what librarians Cheryl English and Tammie McGriff said, the property has come a long way since it was purchased. Both English and McGriff said the library is a “love project.”
“This is such a special place to come for reading or meditation,” English said. “The library garden can produce educational opportunities for the kids giving them the ability to plant herbs and tomatoes, and make their own salsa. We will also have the opportunity to do programs about how to prune your plants and flowers in the future.”
There were nine youth that came from Jemison High School and over 20 from Chilton Christian Academy who helped plant the garden and hang things on the fence. English and McGriff were both overjoyed with all the work they did and how nicely the garden ties everything together.
“If it had not been for the kids coming in one day, we would probably still be planting right now,” English said.
They also thanked some of their biggest donors including April Weaver, Mimi Penhale, Cam Ward and the family of Jimmy Martin. There was also another large donor that wishes to stay anonymous who worked on the garden as well. The library also gave their student helpers Will McMinn, Lexi Carr, Jack Hayes and Jonathan Lowery a special thank you for all the work they have done.
From the new garden to the restored and repurposed inside, it is obvious how much the community cares about the library. Both English and McGriff are excited to start having programs and being able to share the library with the community again, since COVID-19 prevented them from doing many things last year.
“We have started doing our Story Hour on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. again,” English said. “We still do that at Jemison City Hall, and children of all ages are welcome to read, do crafts and have a snack. There will also be more programs coming back to the library itself now that the garden is complete.”
There truly is something for everyone at the Jemison Public Library. Story Hour for the kids, the garden for a peaceful spot outside and a lovely interior filled with books and items from around the world. For those wanting to keep up the library and any events they may be having, their Facebook is Jemison Public Library or visit them at 160 Main Street, Jemison, AL 35085 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and on Monday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
