Secretary Of State Tre Hargett Visits Jefferson County Library Board

L-R / Tennessee Representative Andrew Farmer, Tennessee Senator Frank Niceley, Jefferson County Commissioner Robert Tucker, Jefferson County Mayor Alan Palmieri, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett – Photo by Marihelen Ballard

A large group attended the March 14, 2013 meeting organized by the Jefferson County Library Board and hosted by the Jefferson City Library. The meeting’s main subject of discussion concerned the future for the Parrott-Wood Memorial Library in Strawberry Plains and how the services can be expanded to serve the community more effectively. The small, approximately 850 square foot, library has been the topic of discussion for expansion and there are plans being drawn up to add an additional 1400 square feet that will bring the already existing structure to over 2250 square feet.

These plans are scheduled to be carried out in three phases. Phase one will involve building a new structure, and closing in both old and new, then preparing it for inspection. Phase two will involve rewiring of both the old and new sections, installing heat and air conditioning, and finishing up the interior. Phase three will include landscaping and parking.

Representatives from several local organizations that have been raising money for this project were in attendance as well as State and County officials. Susan Simmons from the region brought forms to fill out to apply for available grants and to assist in the process that needs to be followed in order to qualify for all moneys available. Tre Hargett, Secretary of State, stated that he would do what he can to assist in meeting the needs of providing an efficient library for the Strawberry Plains community. Through fund raising, donations, and available grants, Strawberry Plains has a good start toward achieving the goal of a larger and better equipped library to meet the needs of the community.