The Rotary Club of Elkton has on its Facebook page these words – “Every Wednesday, 12 Noon – Food, Fellowship and Community Focus.”
Wednesday, February 5, saw 22 members of the Rotary Club including several guests meet at the Todd County Public Library located at 507 South Main Street for their weekly meeting. Also joining the Rotarians was former Rotarian and former Circuit Court Clerk, Mr. Jimmy Groves. Mr. Jimmy, who was an active member of the Rotary Club for many decades, commented following the club’s meeting that Todd County was so fortunate to have such a state-of-the-art public library. Dr. Amanda Hayes, Library Director, messaged, “TCPL was honored Elkton’s Rotary Club chose to meet in our grand community room! The uplifting conversations and presentations filled the room with cheer as members focused on service to others.”
Kelvin DeBerry mentioned in his comments to the group just how much effort went into the physical move from the 302 East Main Street location to 507 South Main Street. For those not aware, Kelvin and Lorie DeBerry as well as Brad and Mandy Shemwell sold the 507 South Main Street property to the Todd County Public Library at a reduced price prior to the library’s construction phase. The James Randolph Mallory family along with the late Guy Mallory also assisted with the project since they donated an extra piece of land that led to the site being the size it currently is. Chris Bischoff, a Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives (KDLA) Consultant, also was on hand Wednesday to tour the building. Mr. Bischoff, who provided input into the original blueprints for the library, had last seen the library in late summer 2024. Wednesday, however, provided Mr. Bischoff an updated look at the library since its opening in October. As true of those who have visited the facility, Mr. Bischoff was very impressed with how far along the library has progressed in its first months opened.
Stating the library is “literally a world-class asset for our county,” Glenn Slack, a former president of the Rotary, also added, “This facility is an architectural mega-hit! It features a captivating exterior containing a magnificent floor plan, fully equipped with 21st century technology.” He also expressed how important it was for Rotarians to visit the site since they now have a much stronger feel for how valuable an asset the library is and will continue to be for Todd Countians and citizens surrounding Todd County. Ms. Hayes also added the library enthusiastically supports the efforts of the Rotarians to reach an auction goal of $50,000, a goal that reveals the Rotarians’ commitment to public service and the promotion of education in our community.
Tiffany Groves, Todd County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and a Rotarian as well, was on hand to present to the library the Chamber’s “Above & Beyond Member of the Month” Recognition. The honor, one the library staff appreciated tremendously, reflects the team effort at the library with staff members still tackling completion of the move to the new location and the addition of equipment, furniture, and finishing touches to the building. Carolyn Wells, a trustee for the library, presented a short program focused on the library itself, supporters of the library, those who assisted with the project, the unique features of the building, and ‘finishing touches’ that will occur in the next few months. Following that presentation, Rotarians toured the 12,900 square foot building.
~ Article by Carolyn L. Wells
February 7, 2025
