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History of the Fayette County Library
Founders of the Margaret
Mitchell Public Library
Mrs. Lynne Payne Beadles 1886-1959
Mrs. Lucille Alladio Busey 1894-1971
Mrs. Mattie Lena Ingram 1894-1984
Mrs. Louise Murphy 1893-1986
Mrs. Lucy Redwine 1889-1976
(From Left: Mrs. Ingram, Mrs. Murphy, Miss Thorton,
first long-term librarian, Mrs. Busey, and Mrs. Redwine. Ms. Beadles
not pictured)
The first library in Fayette County was organized by the Fayette Woman's
Club in the 1920's. The women listed above held fund raising for the
first library building completed on September 27, 1948.
Another contributor to the library fund was Margaret Mitchell. Ms. Mitchell
learned of the dedication and hard work of the women and their goal to
open a library. She donated books as well as funds toward the library
building.
Forerunners of the Fayette County Public
Library
The Fayette County Margaret Mitchell Library
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 The
Fayette County Margaret Mitchell Library was located at 195 Lee
Street in Fayetteville, Georgia.
A more complete history of the library may be found in The History
of Fayette County, 1821-1971, published by the Fayette County
Historical Society, Inc., ©1977., Carolyn C. Cary, Editor.
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Library on Jeff Davis Avenue
On August 21, 1985, groundbreaking ceremonies took place for the 5,000
square foot facility on Jeff Davis Avenue. Dedication of the new building
was October 12, 1986.
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Library on Heritage Park Way
 On
November 3, 1992, Fayette County citizens approved a 1% Special Local
Option Tax to be levied for 9 months to raise $4,000,000.00 for the purpose
of matching a State Library Construction Grant, to purchase books and
materials and to purchase a new library site on Heritage Park Way, adjacent
to the Fayette County Administration Complex.
The new 28,000 square foot facility opened on January 13, 1997. The
dedication was held March 17, 1997. The one-story brick traditional building
is equipped with an Educational Learning Lab, Distance Learning Center,
Georgia History Room, Story Hour Room, and a multi-purpose room. Wall
murals were painted by Patsy Gullett in 1999. |
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The Fayette County Public Library, under the leadership of the director, Christeen
Snell, has been recognized state-wide for its excellent programming and many
services to the community.
The library has an active Friends of the Library group. The non-profit
volunteer organization supports the library's many activities. In May,
2000, the Friends of the Fayette County Public Library donated a baby
grand piano for the multi-purpose room.
In addition to being a member of the Flint River Regional
Library System, the library belongs to the statewide network called,
PINES. The library joined PINES in December, 1999, along with the other
Flint River Regional Libraries. The PINES network enabled a web-based
online catalog and increased resource sharing among Georgia libraries.
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