Libraries Closed Memorial Day

Remember those who have served, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

On Donations & Children

Recently, RCPL used a donation from the estate of Gilmer A. Horton to purchase books for children and young adults. Our Facebook page has a picture of Children's Coordinator Jamie Rexrode with a display of the books purchased. Some purchases were new fiction or non-fiction books while others replaced tattered copies of classics and Newbery Award-winners.

This wasn't the first time the late Mrs. Horton was party to a donation to the library. In 2004, the family of Elizabeth Ayers (Mrs. Horton's mother who was raised in Russell County) made a donation in their mother's memory. Before making the donation, Mrs. Horton and several of her siblings--a couple of lively gray-headed women and one gentleman who claimed only to be chauffeur!--visited the library director, inquiring about what the library needed and talking about their family's connection to Russell County.

Some times when the family has a reunion, they decide to make a gift to honor a family member. In 2004 they decided the gift should be to the Russell County Public Library. 'Gil,' as Mrs. Horton was known to her family, worked many years in church education, writing and training teachers to use Presbyterian Sunday School materials. When she died, her estate included a donation to RCPL; she had made it clear she wanted the money used for children's books.

In these difficult times, it's good to remember our roots, to honor deserving individuals, and to be generous when we can. Mrs. Horton's sister, Mary Peterson, said "Children were always number 1 with Gil." We at the library agree and send a  big "Thank You" to the late Gilmer A. Horton.

Crafting Circle - Ukranian Eggs (Pysanky)

Thursday May 17th at 1:00 pm Join us and learn about the ancient art of Pysanky, often referred to as Ukranian eggs. Designs are applied to the eggs with beeswax and are built layer by layer and color by color. This is a beginners class, so the design will be basic. More intricate designs require practice.

Williams Memorial Room

Nancy Albert Wolf & Ronald M. Osborne

Honaker Community Library now has a spacious room just for library programs. The April 29th dedication  ceremony of the Williams Memorial Room was well-attended by library staff, library trustees and community members. The architect, Tim Colley, and project supervisor, Rob Jones, were also in attendance.

The room is named in honor of native son, C.P. 'Bud' Williams and his wife Elsa. Their estate provided the majority of the funds for the construction and renovation. The honors of unveiling the plaque and a photo collage of the Williams'es were given to Nancy A. Wolf and Ronald M. Osborne; Mrs. Wolf donated her mother's home to found the library and Mr. Osborne is a trustee of the Williams estate.

Stop by and take a look at the newly renovated building. Moving a few walls provided more room for books and a more spacious and gracious interior.