Page 15 - Veterans' Issue

7 Things You May Not Know
7 Things You May Not Know

About the Henderson County Library
About the Henderson County Library

By Chalisa Madsen

One of the crowning jewels of Athens, the Clint unsuspecting repairman has sprinted up the
W. Murchison Henderson County Library has basement stairs, white as a ghost, having been
been a central hub of learning for years. But this surprised by Chuck. But honestly, what would
destination, just off of the historic Downtown a historic place in Athens be like without a
Square, has much more to offer than just books. couple of ghosts?
We’ll bet you didn’t know… 5. They have free seminars on almost anything.
1. It used to be a Post Office. Interested in learning about essential oils?
That’s right. The historic building that houses They have a meeting for that. Interested in
the library got its start as a post office. The native gardening? They have a meeting for that.
mail sorting rooms and offices are still intact Interested in computers? They have a meeting
downstairs. The building’s cornerstone, visible for that, as well. The library features all sorts
under the trees on the Prairieville side, has of informational and educational meetings,
more information if you’re interested. classes, seminars, etc. Check their Facebook
2. They double as a movie theater. page or bulletin boards to sign up for upcoming
Every Thursday the library screens a movie at sessions.
5pm. They even fire up the popcorn maker. 6. They have awesome story time for the littles.
Best of all? It’s completely free. These movies From silly songs and sign language to dancing
range from brand new box office hits to the and percussion, the library has story time each
classics. They post the movie line ups on their week for ages 0-24 months and 2 years old to
Facebook page, so be sure to give them a Like. Pre-K. Join Miss Sasha (0-24) on Tuesdays and
3. They have a creepy room full of dirt. Miss Bobbie (2 y-Pre-K) on Thursdays at 11:00
And no one knows why. a.m. for all sorts of fun.
When you travel under the busy, main floor, 7. Their reading program is awesome
and past the subterranean offices, there lies a We would be doing them a disservice on this
door to nowhere. When you open this door, list by not talking about their reading programs.
you are met with dirt. And not just a little Every youngster in Henderson County needs
dirt. We’re talking huge piles of dirt, as far as to be involved in the Mayor’s Reading Club.
you can see. No one knows why this is here, For every 4 hours (or 10 easy reader books) that
but passed down folklore claims this is left they read they get to take a book home for their
over from construction of Athens’ creepily own library free of charge. You can’t beat that.
infamous tunnels. This is not the only creepy The Clint W. Murchison Henderson County
thing about the library, either Library in Athens has so much to offer. From
4. They have a resident ghost. their 57,000+ books to their amazing programs,
No, this is not a joke right before Halloween. this library is the place to be. Stop by and check
Year-round they have a famous ghost that them out today. And be sure to say Hi to Chuck.
loves to prank workers and patrons, alike.
Affectionately referred to as “Chuck” or just
“Cowboy,” he likes to make noise, hide books
(only to put them back when you turn around),
a n d rearrange things. Many an

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