Jennings Program Center nearly finished

"Honoring the legacy of our past while providing a new vision for the future." The new addition to the Adams Memorial Library is almost finished and Preston Bro. Construction indicates it should be finished by Labor Day.

"Honoring the legacy of our past ..." In May, 1964, the visionary legend of Cannon County - Dr. J.F. Adams - passed away. A group of about ten men met and determined that a proper memorial for Dr. Adams would be a library.

What brought about such a monumental thought for this memorial? During the 1940's and 50's, in addition to his work as a medical doctor, Dr. Adams was instrumental in bringing the following businesses to Cannon County: Colonial Corp., Armour Cheese Factory, Box Factory, Bank of Commerce, and Short Mountain Bible Camp. About 2500 jobs were added to Cannon County. A familiar refrain rang throughout the county: A wringer washer on every front porch! The beginnings of prosperity and optimism rang throughout the county.

Fundraising began and about $120,000 was raised. The library was built. Austin Jennings often told this writer that before this library facility was built, the library was in a "broom closet" in the basement of the court house. In 2010, a second fundraising began, again under Mr Jennings leadership, raising $1.5 million to renovate the now 50 year-old building, and add 2000 sq. feet to the facility.

With the passing of Mr. Jennings, Dr. Adams' family requested that a proper memorial be given to Austin who donated his time for 50 years as President of the Association, was instrumental in the original building, and the second renovation and addition. The Adams Memorial Association, in conjunction with Librarian Masha Petty, determined that the greatest need for the future of the library was to add a Program Center - The Austin Peay Jennings Program Center. Also, the Paul and Rhea Read Family requested that the young adult room be enlarged, and this family has provided the funding for this expansion.

Each year, the library has 75 to 100 programs for the community with 2500-2800 attending. Out of these programs, the greatest need was for the Summer Reading Program which for the last three years has had 225+ young people to sign up. The present facility has room for only about 60 in the Jennings Community Room. Also, a pre-school reading program is held weekly at the library with about 30 attending this event.

The newest addition will have 1900 square feet, have two classrooms/study rooms, and ability to handle about 175 at one time. The room will be equipped with an overhead projector and large screen, and preparations also to add a large screen tv when funds are available. The cost for the addition is $380,000. To date there is still a need for another $8,000 to be raised. Over the past several months, Mr. Alsup has written to medical professionals, local businesses and businessmen, as well as many families who were greatly affected for the better by their association with Dr. Adams.

During construction, Mr. Alsup has received many positive comments from the community. He shares three of those with you:

Terry Preston, construction manager, said, "Even though we have shut down half of the parking lot, I am amazed at how many people come to the library every day! (About 3600/month!)

John House said, "Bro. Herb, we have a really nice library for a county our size."

Aletha Thomas, upon receiving the letter said, "Michael, this is really important. You need to read this." Upon reading, Dr. Thomas made a trip to the library, whereupon he wrote a check to help.

If you will assist in providing that vision for a great future for the Adams Memorial Library - a facility that is maintained, expanded, and renovated by the Adams Memorial Association and provided to Cannon County at no cost to the tax payer -- please send your donation to Adams Memorial Library, Attn: Marcia Melton, 212 College St., Woodbury, TN 37190. With a donation of at least $1,000, your name can be placed on a permanent donor board in the Program Center. To do this, donations need to be made by September 7, 2019.