Library in Strawberry Plains Receives Grant for Major Expansion Project

Library patrons in Strawberry Plains and surrounding communities will soon have a bigger and better library, thanks in part to a grant from the Secretary of State’s office.

The office is providing a $5,000 grant to assist with the expansion and renovation of the Parrott-Wood Memorial Library in Strawberry Plains. Jefferson County government is also providing $5,000 for the project and Mossy Creek Network, a 501(c)(3) corporation, is contributing $35,000.

The project will increase the library’s size from 850 square feet to 2,250 square feet. The renovated library will have room to expand the children’s learning center and increase the number of bookshelves, computers and seats for all patrons.

The work will also update the building’s electrical, plumbing and heating and air conditioning systems and bring the library into compliance with American Disabilities Act regulations.

Safer off-street parking will also be available after the project is complete.

“This is great news for our library,” said Senator Frank Niceley. “This grant will allow us to almost triple the square feet to serve area citizens. I appreciate all of those who worked to secure this grant.”

“Public libraries are a valuable resource for communities across Tennessee,” said Representative Andrew Farmer. “We are truly fortunate in our state to have leaders who understand the importance of taking care of citizens and I look forward to seeing our library serve residents for many years to come.”

“Projects like this one are very important because of the changing role libraries are playing in people’s lives now,” Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. “People don’t just go to libraries to check out books any more. They also use libraries for computer access so they can get job training, search and apply for jobs or search the Internet for information. For people who don’t have access to computers at home or work, libraries provide connections to the online world.”