30-05-2025
New library opens in the heart of downtown Iva
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – The Iva Branch Library is now open at 622 East Front Street, and leaders hope it will serve as a community hub to bring more people to downtown.
It took four years to turn an old fire station into a library, located in the heart of downtown Iva. The ribbon cutting means a new start for this town.
Visitors said they're impressed.
'It looks amazing, spacious, airy, modern, clean looking. They thought through the different areas and they especially kept the kids in mind. We're excited about that,' said Abby Almaroad.
Laura Hubbard-Covert and her step-daughter, Bryleigh, couldn't wait to check out books.
'This is Bryleigh's first library card. I remember when I was little my mom took me to the library, and it gave me a love for books,' Laura Hubbard-Covert.
Library directors said the new library addresses the limitations of the old, smaller library in the building behind Anderson school district three offices.
'We have an expanded children's area really focused on play and creativity. We will have programs in that department,' said Annie Sutton, Anderson County Library Director. 'We also have larger meeting room space, larger study rooms. The community can have meetings and get togethers, things like that here. The space is also transformable. Everything is on wheels and casters, and you can move things around to create more space.'
Now that school is out for summer, parents are glad they have an upgraded library close to home to keep their children's minds engaged.
'I think it's very important because over the summer they can tend to kind of forget what they've learned and kind of have to start all over at the beginning of the year,' said Hubbard-Covert.
'I love for them to be able to find books that excite their interest in whatever they're interested in. They can find a book about it and just keep on going with those passions that they have,' said Almaroad.
Parents said their child's love for books just increased.
'I would tell her this, that you can do anything you want to do with a book,' said Hubbard-Covert. 'If you want to climb the tallest tree or sail the ocean, you can do it in a book, so read a book!'
The Anderson County Library Director said the Community Development Block grant awarded the library with $500,000 for this project.
The library is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.
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