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Old Fort branch to reopen July 1; Marion library launches 30-program June summer schedule
Summary
Library staff told commissioners the Old Fort Library will reopen July 1 after nine months; the Marion branch reported about 30 programs in June and a heavy turnout at the summer-reading kickoff.
Library leaders updated McDowell County commissioners on branch reopening plans and a summer reading schedule that county staff said has drawn strong community participation.
The Old Fort Library is scheduled to reopen July 1 following cleanup and repairs; Marion branch staff also outlined a month of children's, teen and adult programs and ongoing partnerships with local schools.
"I'm happy to share that after 9 months, we'll officially reopen the Old Fort Library on Tuesday, July 1," said Marin Brick Brinkley, who introduced the library update and credited restoration contractor Foothills Cleaning and Restoration and library partners for the work. Brinkley said the site may be ready for a soft reopening before the official date and that a community celebration will be planned later in the summer.
Julie McKinney, program and outreach librarian, described the library's summer offerings. "Just in June, we have 30 programs, for the whole month, and that is something for all ages," McKinney said, and she estimated roughly "around 150 people" attended the kickoff magic-show registration event. McKinney also described outreach to McDowell County Public Schools and visits to elementary and middle schools, including special-education classes at the high school, and said library staff have concentrated on increasing teen programming.
McKinney highlighted additional history-room work and a community walk tied to the children's book The Dot; she explained the library obtained permission to reproduce a page of the book and plans a Main Street walk with 20 participating businesses over a 0.7-mile route so families can read and stroll together.
Commissioners did not take a formal vote on library matters; the update served as an informational report and staff invited commissioners to the planned reopening and summer events.
