A Grand Reopening Ceremony was held Monday, November 9, to reopen the Ellisville Public Library. Carolyn Russell, interim director, JoAnna Ashley, branch manager, and Scotty Corley, assistant branch manager, were joined by Ellisville Mayor Lynn Buckhaults, Ellisville Aldermen, members of the Board of Trustees, The Friends of the Ellisville Public Library, Ellisville Garden Club, and Jones County Chamber of Commerce as they cut the ribbon.
According to Russell, the library has been closed for several months to repair its large A/C unit. Repairs were also made to the flooring, which was damaged by the faulty A/C unit. With the restrictions of COVID-19 and the renovations, the library has been closed for several months.
“We are thrilled to be here and be able to open back up and allow people to come in,” exclaimed Russell
“This is taxpayer dollars at work building roads for our kids, our young adults, and adults alike for a better education,” stated Bob Stone, president of the board of trustees.
According to Stone, the City of Ellisville matched funds from the Jones County Board of Supervisors to fund the renovations, which include a new A/C unit, new carpet and tile, and a redesign of the children's area with a new bookcase built by Ashley’s father, Mr. Putnam.
The library will be opened by appointment only from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and will be closed on Friday. Due to COVID-19, only five people at a time are allowed inside the library. Masks are required, and social distancing is observed. WiFi service is available inside the library and outside in the parking lot. Curbside service is also available. For more information, call 601-477-9271.