New Belton Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

New Belton Library
A Branch of the Anderson County Library System
Belton, SC

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the New Belton Branch of the Anderson County Library System was held at its new location Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 2:00 pm at 91 Breazeale Street in Belton. After a construction period of 14 months, the new library opened its doors to patrons on Monday, April 5. "We're really excited about the new Belton branch library," said Carl Stone, Director Anderson County Library System. "Belton was the first branch to expand into larger quarters in the mid-70's, and it hasn't been renovated since that time. Mr. Stone gave these opening remarks along with other Belton and Anderson County dignitaries.

The $940,000 building was designed by the architectural firm of Craig, Gaulden & Davis, of Greenville. The construction firm for the Belton building was Matrix Construction, of Anderson. The building's design mimics that of the Belton Depot, in which the former branch was housed for the past 27 years.

Inside the 6,600 square foot library, there's room for 27,000 volumes and other materials, an enlarged Children's Section, tutoring areas, and workstations for 10 computers. The Friends of the Anderson County Library Meeting Room seats up to 40 people. The parking area off Breazeale Street accommodates 20 cars.

The first Belton Library was started in 1914 by the Belton Civic League, and located in the Stringer Building. Members of the Library Society paid $1/year in dues. By 1918, the small library had an annual circulation of 1,605 books and 845 magazines.

A Walking Trail was also constructed that begins at the Library and extends up Main Street.

For more information about the Anderson County Library System, call 260-4500.

BELTON LIBRARY & COMMUNITY WALKING TRACK RIBBON CUTTING
91 BREAZEALE STREET, BELTON, SC
2:00 P.M.
APRIL 18, 2004

WELCOME & REMARKS

Carl Stone - Anderson County Library System Director

INVOCATION

THE REVEREND R. DON COOKE - FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

REMARKS/INTRODUCTIONS

LARRY E. GREER - ANDERSON COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 3

JOEY R. PRESTON - COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

FRAN SHIRLEY - CHAIRMAN, LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

RUFUS CALLAHAM - MAYOR OF THE CITY OF BELTON

LEE EASLEY HARRIS - BELTON AREA PARTNERSHIP

DICK GAILLARD - BELTON AREA MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

SPECIAL GUESTS

ANDERSON COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS

BELTON CITY COUNCIL

STATE & LOCAL OFFICIALS

ANDERSON COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FRIENDS OF THE ANDERSON COUNTY LIBRARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EARLE GAULDEN - CRAIG, GAULDEN, & DAVIS

H. M. KING & HOLT IVEY - MATRIX CONSTRUCTION

Details & Photo provided by Michelle K. W. Strange, Anderson County Community Relations Division Director