Officials break ground on construction of Orrville Public Library

The town of Orrville is set to build its very first public library.

Town officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the construction site Tuesday morning.

The project — has been years in the making. And now — it’s finally about to become reality.

The Orrville community is celebrating.

It’s celebrating progress — it’s celebrating growth — and it’s celebrating the groundbreaking — for the construction of a new public library.

“I’m so excited,” said Mayor Louvenia Lumpkin.

“We’re standing here today because the funds have been allocated. And we’re ready to build.”

Congresswoman Terri Sewell announced a half-million dollars in federal funding — to build the new library. She says it’s a small investment that will make a huge impact on the community’s future.

“I want you to know that this $500,000 dollar check is an investment,” Sewell said.

“It’s an investment into our children. It’s an investment in this community.”

“Reading is fundamental. Kids can do so many wonderful, beautiful, amazing things just with access to books,” said Dallas Co. Schools Superintendent Anthony Sampson.

And the new library will provide year round access to all kinds of books. As well as access to dependable internet.

“Because in a rural area the internet service not the best. And so we gon’ have top dollar internet service for the children,” said Lumpkin.

“For me, it has a special place in my heart, given the fact that I’m the daughter of a librarian,” said Sewell.

“My mom, Nancy Gardner Sewell, was a librarian in Selma for 42 years. And so, as a child, growing up in a library, it was a very special place to me.”

Mayor Lumpkin presented the congresswoman with a key to the city during the event.

She says construction of the new library is set to begin early spring.