A new library for Iva, SC
The Iva Branch Library is undergoing some exciting changes!
In December of 2022, a statement was released from Anderson County that stated, "Anderson County, in partnership with the Town of Iva and the Anderson County Library System, has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The grant will be used to develop a new Iva Branch Library location."
Anderson County Council member Ray Graham stated at the time, "This new facility will be a welcome addition to this wonderful community, and we expect that it will serve to encourage further redevelopment and renewal in the Town of Iva. We'd like to thank S.C. Commerce and the CDBG program for their invaluable assistance in support of this effort."
Where will the new library be?
The statement continued, "CDBG funds will be used to renovate an existing storefront location in the Iva Town Square on East Front Street, directly across from the gazebo. The space the library will occupy was once the home to the Iva Fire Department. The building has extant architectural features in place from that time, and these elements will be incorporated into the design of the new library where feasible. Their presence will help provide the type of unique environment and historical reference that makes for a very unique and special public space."
Also in the statement, Iva Mayor said, "The development of the new library branch in the facility will ensure that the old fire station continues to serve as a community benefit. The project enhances our ongoing efforts to revitalize our town square and offer a wide array of services and activities to area residents."
The process is now underway for building the new Iva Branch Library. In an article found on WSPA, "According to the Anderson County Special Projects team, the library is currently in the environmental phase which is testing to make sure the building can handle construction."
Annie Sutton, Iva Branch Library Director, stated in the WSPA article, "I am super excited about this project. Having the new library come downtown being able to use a space that's already here and renovated I think it's a great project and a great space for a library."
Special projects manager, Jon Caime, also stated to WSPA, "It's about a 1.5-million-dollar project. $500,000 comes from the federal government through the Community Development Block Grant source and $1 million is coming from the state."
Sutton told WSPA, "People can drop by anytime. We'll have programming and we'll also put some emphasis on vocational training so there might be computer classes for things that you can attend. The other big plus about this building is that we will have a much larger meeting room so that community groups can use the main room to have their meetings, events and things like that."
The Anderson County Library System includes the Main Library in Anderson and eight branches and a bookmobile. The library system has over 300,000 books, DVDs, audiobooks, and music CDs, and as a member of the SCLends consortium, has access to over 3.5 million items. All library locations have computers for public use, free Wi-Fi, and color & black-and-white photocopiers. The Library is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees which is appointed by County Council. The Library is a component agency of Anderson County.
Currently the Iva Branch Library is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The address for the current Iva Branch Library is 106 East Broad Street in Iva, SC. If you have any questions, please call the library at 864-348-6150.
The Anderson County Special Projects team stated to WSPA, "Construction will start at the beginning of 2024. The construction phase will take around a year to complete before the grand opening in 2025.
Upcountry Lifestyle will continue to keep you up to date on the progress of the new Iva Branch Library.
Resources
“Anderson County Library System: " Library Improvement Updates.” Anderson County Library System | " Library Improvement Updates, www.andersonlibrary.org/library-renovation-updates. Accessed 14 Sept. 2023.
Meadows, Eriana. “New Library Underway in Downtown Iva.” WSPA 7NEWS, WSPA 7NEWS, 13 Sept. 2023, www.wspa.com/news/local-news/new-library-underway-in-downtown-iva/?fbclid=lwAR3JhsFzylwUe0oR_HjiE7BPi9ViU9uNcrCQ5mYrOFHybBtzrymNji5398M.
Tbannisterac. “County Receives a $500,000 CDBG Grant for New Iva Branch Library.” Anderson County, 20 Dec. 2022, www.andersoncountysc.org/county-receives-a-500000-cdbg-grant-for-new-iva-branch-library/.
“Anderson County Library System: " Library Improvement Updates.” Anderson County Library System | " Library Improvement Updates, www.andersonlibrary.org/library-renovation-updates. Accessed 14 Sept. 2023.
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