Mt. Vernon Gets New Library

Posted on: Aug 24th, 2011 | News and Announcements

When a sleepy little berg gets a $5 billion steel plant, things change. In planning for those changes in Mt. Vernon, the Mobile County Commission took the lead to establish a new library in what will now be a growth area around the newly-opened ThyssenKrupp steel mill. A grand opening for the 3,100 square foot Mt. Vernon Library is set for 9 a.m. Thursday, August 25 at the library, located in the historic Belsaw Elementary School building, 19180 Shepard Lake Road East. The library will serve all residents of Mt. Vernon as well as the surrounding north Mobile County area. ?Not only do we want to bring more books into people?s lives more often, but we can bring Internet access, educational programming, and a learning center,? said Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, who represents the area. ?It?s one of those rare gifts that keep on giving to all people of all generations.? Money to rehabilitate the school building came from $358,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds requested by the county. For books, computers and furnishings, the people of Mt. Vernon stepped up to the plate, holding book showers and other fundraisers, and getting their own grants. Waste Management also contributed. ?It will be wonderful,? said Mt. Vernon Councilwoman Verdell Dees. ?No other library near us has these state-of-the art resources.? Besides shelves of books for rent, there will be 10 personal computers in a lab room and eight MAC computers dispersed throughout the open area. Wireless connectivity will be provided. ?We all know the value of books,? said County Commissioner Connie Hudson. ?But a library is also a critical resource for those who otherwise wouldn?t have Internet access - especially those who are job-hunting.? According to the American Library Association, libraries are the number one source for Internet access among those who don?t have home computers. Dr. Darryl Pennywell, an engineer with teaching experience in the public schools, will be the new library manager. A resident of Mt. Vernon, Pennywell helped install the electronics for the new facility. ?This is a great asset that can grow with the community,? said Mobile County Commissioner Mike Dean. ?I?m proud to support an investment in our future.?