County closes chapter with library reopening

ALBANY —The Dougherty County Library System finished the final chapter of the closed library branches saga Saturday with the grand reopening of the Southside branch at 2114 Habersham Road.

Kids squealed with delight as Doc Atoms entertained them with his mad science show, and happy patrons took a stroll around the new digs during a celebration of the system’s return to full force.

“That chapter is now officially closed,” Library Director Pauline Abidde said of the Library Board’s stunning closure of the Southside and Westtown branches four years ago as a cost-cutting measure. “This today is just a big part of a sensational accomplishment for our library system, our County Commission and the people of this community.

“We had a big crowd come in Thursday for our first day, and today is just wonderful. We’re up to full staff now, with the exception of finding a qualified director of the Northwest branch, but we have some good candidates for that position since we reported it was open. This is just an exciting time for our system.”

Dougherty County Commissioner Anthony Jones, who was on hand for the grand reopening ceremony, lauded county officials for their efforts in bringing the Southside and Westtown branches back from closure.

“This is a great day for the city of Albany, and in particular a great day for the children of South Albany,” Jones said. “I’m proud of Pauline ahd her staff for making this fine facility available to the community again. I can tell you one thing: We’re not going to close a library again in our community. If we have to cut funds, we’ll cut them elsewhere.”

Jones was named the County Commission’s representative on the Library Board at the end of 2015.

Stephanie Jackson, who brought her daughters Imani, 3, and Iyana, 2, to the library grand reopening, said visiting the branch was like coming home.

“My family lives in Putney now, but I used to live in this neighborhood,” Stephanie Jackson said. “The girls love books, and it was fun for me to come back to a place I used to visit a lot.”

In addition to Doc Atoms’ science show Saturday, kids played a series of games inspired by the writings of Dr. Seuss.

Abidde said the Southside branch will be open Mondays-Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The branch is closed Fridays and Sundays.