Grand Junction Library, Unscathed By Storm, Still Open
After the April storms raged through the City of Grand Junction, Tennessee in April, the Grand Junction Public Library remained standing with no signs of damage. Since that event, the library has remained open for library services and is also temporarily being used to house the Grand Junction Police Department.
“Although our library received no damage from the tornadoes, houses a few doors down and also houses across the street were totally demolished by the winds,” said Grand Junction Library Director Dianne Callahan, who shared how the library was able to serve the community beyond providing books. “We went into survival mode. Our police station was destroyed and subsequently moved into the library’s kitchen!”
The Grand Junction Library is one of five, which includes the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library, Lee Ola Roberts Public Library, Middleton Community Library, and the Saulsbury Library, in Hardeman County. Before April, it regularly held monthly events for patrons in the community. Having limited or no access to a kitchen has prevented the staff from offering programming, which often relies on the use of water and other areas in that area.
“If one has never been through a natural disaster such as a tornado, hurricane, or floods, then the thought is that after a few weeks, everything returns to normal. Those who have experienced a disaster understand that though life goes on, the ‘after’ is very different than the ‘before’,” said Ms. Callahan. “Until the city can rebuild a new police station, we are all making do. Without a kitchen in our library, we are on hold for programs and special events. However, our library is open, and books are being checked out and in. Our computers are being used. WIFI is available and, as far as I know, we are the least expensive place in town for faxes.”
Ms. Callahan hopes to be able to resume library programming in the near future and is seeking help from people in the community to let her know what they would like to see on the event calendar.
“We would love to hear from you on programs that you want to see once the police move out and we again have access to our kitchen. Until then, stop by the Grand Junction Library to check out a book, send a fax, make copies, or chat!”
The Grand Junction Public Library {530 Madison Avenue West, Grand Junction, 38039} is open Tuesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Wednesday and Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The library is closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Call (731) 764-2716 for more information.
Read more local news by clicking here.
Stay informed on what’s happening in Hardeman County by subscribing to Hatchie Press e-mail updates.
Do you have community news you’d like to share? E-mail us at news@hatchiepress.com.
