Tulare County Library Literacy Center Celebrates Renovation

A ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday marked the reopening of the Literacy Center of the Tulare County Library.

The event, sponsored by the Visalia Chamber of Commerce, recognized the renovation of the Center and the Visalia Community Rotary Foundation, which funded the project.

Marie Labbee, Chamber Ambassador Chair, opened the event, and Darla Wegener, Tulare County Librarian, and Sue Gillison, Literacy Program Manager, together wielded the shears that snipped the red ribbon.

In her remarks, Ms. Gillison said, “We are so grateful for the generous gift and thoughtfulness of the Rotary Foundation. It is a pleasure to have a sparkling place for our tutors and learners to meet. We are so proud of our old house and its new look!  Thank you, Visalia Community Rotary Foundation!”

Among the attendees were Tulare County Supervisors Phil Cox, Pete Vander Poel, and Steve Worthley; Library Board members Charlie Saponara and Art Zschau; Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Armondo Apodaca, and Visalia Chamber members Scott Smith, Clayton Biewer, Thomas Forbes and Deanna Saldana. Literacy tutors Peggy Blanchard, Mary Ann Bringhurst, Marsha Brooks-Smith, Don Holzem, Julia Honer and Sandy Marlow were also present.

The refurbishment included fresh paint, new carpet for the entire building, and new flooring in the kitchen. After the ceremony, the audience viewed the improvements and enjoyed light refreshments in the Center.

The Dutch Colonial Revival cottage that is home to the Center is located at 417 North Locust Street, behind the Visalia Branch Library. It is believed to be the oldest continuously occupied dwelling in Visalia.
Open to any adult resident, the Literacy Center’s Read to Succeed program is a free service of the Tulare County Library. For more information about the Center and its activities, please call (559) 713-2745 or go online to: http://www.tularecountylibrary.org/literacyprogram.html.

The Tulare County Library Literacy Center