Library celebrates 100 year anniversary

Published 12:00 am Sunday, April 4, 2004

This year marks the Selma-Dallas County Public Library’s 100th anniversary. Becky Nichols is ready for 100 more.

Nichols, executive director of the library, will kick off the library’s centennial fund-raising drive during National Library Week, April 19-24. She’s planning on raising $1,000 for each year of the library’s existence and wants to have $100,000 by year’s end.

According to Nichols, funds will be used for new books and technology. The library sees about 200 people each day, all of whom either check out books, use the computers, or both. &uot;With 20 to 30 people using a computer a day, you can imagine the deterioration,&uot; Nichols said. &uot;I’m in a constant replacement and upgrade mode.&uot;

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The library needs more health and technology books as well as books on science, small business, black history and reference, to name a few. Nichols also plans on expanding the library’s local history room by adding digital preservation technology.

The plans, though, require money.

People can donate to the centennial fund at the library’s reference, main or children’s desks. Pledges may also be made and will be collected over the next three years.

Nichols noted that gifts may be made in honor or memory of a friend or loved one.

One of many good things Nichols is planning for the library’s centennial is a celebration of National Library Week. All library fines will be forgiven during National Library Week, though Nichols requested people give a donation in lieu of paying their fine.

On April 19 a dedication for the children department’s new fish tank is scheduled for 4 p.m. The tank was installed late last year through the efforts of Selma City Council members Jean Martin and Nancy Sewell.

At 6 p.m. on April 19 a reception honoring past and present library volunteers will be held.

A magic show is scheduled for April 20 at 4 p.m.

On April 21 the winner of the centennial trivia contest will be announced. The winner, who will have answered 100 questions about Selma, will receive $100.

Library card contest winner parties are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of National Library Week. Winners include the school classes that received their centennial library cards first.

Kathryn Tucker Windham is scheduled to read the story &uot;Ernest’s Gift&uot; on April 22 at noon at the lunch at the library.