Published: November 10, 2008 11:38 am            

Jasper library to be named for Virginia Chandler

In honor of her 40-plus years of faithful and dedicated service to Hamilton County residents through her efforts and belief in public libraries, the memory of Virginia Chandler will be honored as the Jasper Public Library is renamed. The library will be called The Virginia B. Chandler Public Library.

On Nov. 16, the public is invited to attend the re-naming ceremony in the library at 2:30 p.m., as the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners present the official proclamation.

"In her day-to-day life, Mrs. Chandler always supported the library," Danny Hales, director of Suwannee River Regional Library Services said of Mrs. Chandler's efforts. "A frequent user, she was always smiling when she can in to the library - past and current staff report. She always handled library issues with courtesy and caring. She was a gracious lady, a true 'Steel Magnolia' in the southern tradition. She never tired of talking about the library and its benefits to the community, and if you ever gave her a minute of your time you just knew that libraries would enter the conversation."

Chandler, a lifelong resident of Hamilton County, began her early work by assisting in the formation of the Jasper Public Library in the early 1960s. This was the first public library to open in our county. She was appointed to the Regional Library Board in 1966 and was instrumental in securing the building and assisting in the move to the old Agricultural Office Building (the building in front of the current library) in 1974.

Realizing the need for financial stability and support of the rural libraries in the state of Florida, the legislature enacted rulings in 1994 that allowed for and encouraged small libraries to unite by region and provided funding for operation to those who did. The Jasper Public Library then became a part of the Suwannee River Regional Library system.

The regional system works in conjunction with the local county commission boards in overseeing the operation of the individual libraries. Monies used to perpetuate services for the libraries is generated by county commissions, grants and benefactor donations.

With the institution of the Regional System, the local Library Board, on which she had faithfully served for 28 years, was dissolved and Virginia began her service as an citizen advisory advocate for Hamilton County. She then set to work on attempts to build a new library.

Virginia petitioned the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners to apply for a grant that would allow for construction of the current library building. This grant covered only a portion of the construction costs needed and the remainder had to be supplemented by other funding. Virginia set to work to acquire those funds by convincing local banks, businesses, civic organizations and individuals of the need for their participation.

During this period, she chaired the Library Building Committee. Proudly, our new facility was opened in September of 1995. With that goal achieved, Virginia continued to serve in her Citizen Advisory capacity. She became a major factor in securing local support from the community to provide libraries in both White Springs and Jennings.

"I do not believe our library would be where it is today without her continued perseverance," said Barbara Jones, current manager of the Jasper Public Library.

"Even as her health began to fade, her dedication never failed as she continued to attend our meeting and campaign for our progress. Her presence will be missed, but her inspiration will be seen and felt in the library forever."

To recognize and commemorate her achievements, the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners is bestowing this honor upon her.

        

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