Athens-Limestone Public Library Foundation Inc

In the late 1960’s, a vision for a public library was conceived to service the community of 41,699.  After careful consideration, planning, designing and building, the Athens Public Library opened in March 1970, containing 10,000 square feet and a collection of 30,000 books.  A library of this size was to be adequate for twenty years’ growth.  Over 40 years later, the Athens-Limestone Public Library’s need for an adequate facility has become apparent.  We are working diligently with local governments to bring a state-of-the-art facility to the people of Athens and Limestone County.  Our community has grown to over 82,000 and we anticipate steady growth over the years ahead. 

Our current facility has between 250 and 500 daily visitors and 12,000 youth participate in Library programs throughout the year.  We offer weekly computer classes, access to computers and free Wi-Fi 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  There is currently no space available for group meetings and there is no separate area for youth or children’s activities.  Our new state-of-the-art Library will address all of our needs. 

Our community outgrew the current public library of 10,000 square feet many years ago.  In 2005 the Library Trustees created the Library Foundation to raise funds to build a new facility.  A study completed by Davis Architects in 2007 determined that a facility of 40,000 square feet is what is needed to meet the current and future needs of Athens and Limestone County.  We are well on our way to raising the $6 million needed to make the new facility a reality – but we need your help