Iva Opens New Downtown Library
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The new Iva Branch of the Anderson County Library opened on Friday on the square downtown.
The totally renovated 4,000-square-foot space that formerly housed the fire department features an open layout, more room for books and computers, study rooms, a large meeting room for community use, and plans for expanded programming.
The upgrade addresses the limitations of the old, smaller library in the building behind Anderson School Dist. 3 offices and enhances services to better meet the needs of the growing community. The library was housed in a temporary home in the former Iva Museum, the historic bank building, for the past year.
“What is a library? Well, for us, it's more than just books and computers.” Said Anderson County Library Director Annie Sutton. “A library is a place where everyone is welcome. It's a space to explore, to discover, to connect, and to feel a part of something bigger. Whether you're a child discovering the joy of reading, a student researching for school, or someone looking for a quiet place to just work or think, you belong here.”
“This library is a place for the Iva community to gather. In working through the details of this new space, we considered everyone's needs,” said Sutton. “We expanded children's space for play and creativity, laid out larger meeting rooms and study rooms to increase community engagement. We enhanced accessibility features to more easily welcome our patrons and also increased our collections to offer more of what residents want. Ultimately, we designed a library that's both modern and cozy, because we want you to be in and use this great space. We really hope you will love your new library.”
The facility is designed to meet ADA-accessibility standards. It will offer a wide array of services, aligning with the Anderson County Library System’s countywide efforts to provide upgraded facilities that meet the evolving needs of its patrons in the digital age. This includes providing public computers, free Wi-Fi, and opportunities for various programming.
“It took a while to get here, and we're finally glad it's here,” said Anderson County Councilman Greg Elgin, who represents Iva. "It’s such a beautiful place, and we did such a good job to make the square here look better and have this downtown. Hopefully, all the locals, not only from Iva but Starr and everybody around here, can come out and enjoy this nice space and enjoy downtown more, and just kind of hang out and have fun."
The renovation project for the library, which received a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded to Anderson County, will help create a unique public space and provide some historical reference within the new facility.
“Working with the Town of Iva, School District Three, Anderson County, and state legislature, we were able to gather a whole bunch of money from a whole lot of different places and put it together and do this,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns. “This is something we think is going to be significant for Iva.”
Town Manager Tim Taylor said Iva is happy to see the project completed, and acknowledged the part W. Parker Bowie and his wife Marie Bowie in honor of Parker’s father Luther Bowie and his mother Lucia Bowie, who donated the building to the town for the fire department. A sign on the outside of the library pays tribute to their part in the new facility.
“We are here in part because of Mr. Bowie, and wanted to make sure he was acknowledged today,” said Taylor. “And that plaque will remain here for the duration of this building and hopefully for generations to come."
