Kimberly Cannon | The Valdosta Daily Times The ribbon is cut at the Mae Wisenbaker McMullen Memorial Southside Library to celebrate the library's 25th anniversary. 

VALDOSTA -T he Mae Wisenbaker McMullen Memorial Southside Library held a re-opening event with a ribbon cutting reception Friday, June 16, to celebrate 25 years of operation. 

Southside Library opened May 31, 1992 and was the fourth installment in South Georgia Regional Library system’s five library building campaign, according to Beverley Richardson-Blake, chair of the Southside Library Boosters. 

Lowndes County Chairman Bill Slaughter explained the importance of the library. 

“This one (library) has a special meaning because, to me, it is a library where a library needs to be,” Slaughter said. “It’s in a community where the need is.”

South Georgia Regional Library Directer Miguel Vincente said libraries are places that strengthen communities. 

“The degree of the quality of the library is measured in quality to the degree of community involvement,” Vincente said. “I think here we have a wonderful example of how the community is involved in this library.”

J.C. McMullen, who donated the land for the library, said the library is only useful if people use it. 

“I, as well as Mr. Slaughter, would like to encourage all of you young people (to) use this library,” McMullen said. “Fill your head with all the knowledge of history, current events (and) past events that you possibly can because that’s what will help carry you on through life.” 

More community events at the library are planned for the summer. 

Jeanna Allums, community librarian, said the Southside Library will host painting for teens and adults on June 22 at 4 p.m. and yoga for teens and adults on June 29 at 5:30 p.m. 

The Southside Library is located at 527 Griffin Ave. and is open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday 11-5:30 p.m.

Kimberly Cannon is an Intern Reporter with The Valdosta Daily Times. Her extension is 1376.