Lavonia Carnegie Library Holds Open House, Says Farewell to Longtime Manager

The historic Lavonia Carnegie Library is sporting a new look.

Dozens turned out Monday evening to take a tour of the 105 year old library during an open house event.

Lavonia’s Carnegie Library is one of the few remaining Carnegie libraries in the country that still operates as a library.

In 2014, the City successfully completed repairs and renovations to the library’s exterior and then began work on the interior last year.

The library is now operated by the Athens Regional Library System.

Assistant Director of Regional Services, Lorena Gay- Griffin said money for the library’s facelift came equally from the City of Lavonia and the Georgia Public Library System.

“They painted everything. We’ve replaced the floors. We’ve added awnings over the doorways. One thing that could be done to this building is rewiring,” she said.

New, LED lighting however, was installed in the library.

And during the open house, Griffin along with members of the Friends of the Library paid tribute to longtime library manager Emma LeCroy

LeCroy is retiring after 21 years. Griffin thanked LeCroy for her years of faithful service.

“For 21 years, she has shared her love of reading and Lavonia history with the residents and visitors to the library,” Griffin said. “Her staff says she has a great memory and knows most of her patrons by name. She knows local history and is a great resource. She is always been able to captivate children with her storytime programs.”

City Manager Charles Cawthon then presented LeCroy with a proclamation from the City.

“Her smiling friendly face will be missed by the patrons and staff,” Cawthon read. “Miss LeCroy made a lasting contribution to the Lavonia Carnegie Library by interacting with the patrons and serving as a friend and educator throughout her career.”

For her part, LeCroy said over the years, she loved helping patrons of the library.

“My favorite part of working here was sitting at the circulation desk and helping people and the kids,” she said. “I hope you all know what you have in this Carnegie Library.”

Succeeding Emma LeCroy as branch manager of the Lavonia Library will be Rosie Chitwood who currently serves as manager of the Royston Public Library.

Chitwood will manage both facilities.