VALDOSTA — Around 100 librarians are headed to South Georgia. 

The South Georgia Regional Library system, which consists of six sites in Lowndes, Echols and Lanier counties, hosts the Spring Public Library Directors Meeting May 7-9 for the first time in its new Valdosta facility.

“It’s going to be a great marketing tool,” said Miguel Vicente, South Georgia Library director. “All of the good things we have here, they’re going to talk about it. They can see the new library, too.”

During the three days, Willis L. Miller Library opens its doors to 62 library systems across the state to discuss library needs, disaster planning and partnership strategy.

Vicente said a conference such as this one is held three times a year, but as far as he can remember, it has never been hosted in Valdosta.

“Library systems volunteer to host these events, which are held three times each year,” said Julie Walker, state librarian. “In many cases, such as in Valdosta, it’s a chance to showcase a beautiful new library.”

The new library, located at 2906 Julia Drive, opened just last year in July in a 34,000-square-foot facility complete with a children and teen area, WiFi, 3-D printing and plenty of conference space.

Along with sharing a wealth of ideas, guests can expect the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts to host a reception, 6-7 p.m. Thursday.

Arthur Morin, who helps market South Georgia Regional Libraries, said the new library is open to any and all conferences and events.

“If you’re a nonprofit organization, it’s free of charge,” Morin said. “They also make it available to businesses if you pay a small fee to use the facility. It’s the library recognizing that it can serve the community and a new way to get people in the door.”

For more information on hosting events or anything else the library might offer, contact (229) 333-0086 or visit the library. 

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.