Published: November 19, 2008 12:54 pm            

Virginia B. Chandler Library christened in Jasper

Hamilton County resident Virginia B. Chandler received posthumous honors on Sunday in recognition of the more than 46 years she spent establishing public libraries in Hamilton County.

"Had Virginia not been our leader, so to speak, this library would just not have been possible. We would probably still be in a little abandoned building someone just let us have," said Willene Drury, her lifelong friend.

Mrs. Chandler passed away in 2006, but County Commissioner Lewis Vaughn said the commission felt Chandler should be recognized for her years of unpaid service to the community. They could think of no greater honor to her than to place her name on the building for which she had struggled so graciously.

More than 100 community leaders, citizens and family members turned out on Sunday afternoon for the re-naming ceremony.

"It's a great day to recognize somebody who was such a great public servant," said regional library director Danny Hales. "Totally on their own, their choice, their decision, they had a vision and they worked for it for 46 years to make it happen. As a result we have three modern public libraries in Hamilton County." In a moving ceremony, paying respect to the driving force behind our current library, tearful eyes could be seen and sniffles resonated as attendees nodded in agreement with the comments about Mrs. Chandler.

"Mimi" will be missed forever, but her legacy will live on in those she nurtured through her literary love.

        

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