Library re-dedication set March 17

Dr. and Mrs. J.F. Adams Memorial Library will celebrate its grand reopening at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 17.

A brief program is planned and a library open house will follow with refreshments served in the Jennings Community Room on the lower level of the expanded building. The event is open to the public.

"We will be celebrating the generosity that made this project possible," said Austin Jennings, president of the Adams Memorial Association.

In 2009, library backers began to seriously study expansion of the building, which was originally built in 1964.

"After the study was completed tentative plans were developed for the building expansion program. The Morris home, next door, was purchased and architects completed plans to add additional space and to completely remodel the present building to make efficient use of all the space to meet present and anticipated future needs for a modern community," Jennings said.

The expansion includes adequate paved and lighted off-street parking.

A fundraising campaign raised $1.4 million for the project with Preston Construction Co. completing the project and new furnishings and fixtures are now in place for the grand reopening.

More than 200 donors have made the project reach a successful and debt-free conclusion, Jennings said.

Adams Library began, basically, as a Woodbury Lions Club project in honor of Dr. J.F. Adams.

"It is generally conceded that Dr. Adams had been one of Cannon County's most ardent supports and had made the quality of life for our people much better by his having lived and served here," Jennings said.

The idea to build a library in Adams' honor was launched in the spring of 1964 at the cemetery following Dr. Adams death.

Three Lions Club members, Sol Berger, Leonard Friedman and Austin Jennings were talking about a suitable tribute to Adams' memory. The idea of a library was suggested by Jennings to help fill a great community need. Berger and Friedman were top executives of Colonial Corporation of America.

A few days later, a group of Woodbury businessmen met in Hoyt Bryson's law office and organized the Dr. and Mrs. J.F. Adams Memorial Association and began discussion on a fund raising campaign. Among those attending were Berger, Friedman, Hoyt Bryson, Ed Lehning, W.I. Womack, W.L. Richardson, Waldon Watson, R.W. Hawkins, R.H. Burke and Austin Jennings, who chaired the meeting as Lions Club president.

Funds were raised and a substantial amount was donated by Colonial Corporation of America. The building was dedicated in July 1966.