Great things are happening at the Ohoopee Regional Library but with progress, sometimes there must be a little pain.

Cameron Asbell, Director of the Library System, says temporarily, there will be a few changes, but what will ultimately come out of those is something to really look forward to.

“We will be shutting down the library on November 4 and beginning packing the books for the renovation project to begin,” Asbell said. “Our plan is to open in December and use the Nelle Brown Memorial Library in Lyons as our main operating branch for a year while the renovations are being done in Vidalia.”

Asbell said the Ladson Genealogical Library will remain open during the process to provide library patrons will all the usual services such as Internet access.

In January 2022, the renovations will begin at the Vidalia branch including additional space and more.

Funding for the improvements will be provided with a $3 million contribution from the State of Georgia with the Senate providing $2 million and the House of Representatives, $1 million. Additionally, a sizable donation from Dr. Mark Spviey and his wife will add to the budget with nearly $700,000 being raised from private local donations from individuals and civic organizations.

To view the progress on the project throughout the year, Asbell said you can log onto the library’s website at ohoopeelirary.org on the library’s Facebook page.