HCLS holds groundbreaking ceremony for renovation of downtown Gainesville branch

Even though it was just a formality, a groundbreaking ceremony at the main branch of the Hall County Library System (HCLS) represents another step forward in making major upgrades to the Gainesville facility. 

The ceremony took place outside the branch on Saturday, March 23 at 1 p.m.

Right now, the main branch is closed and is expected to stay shuttered until renovations are complete in the summer of 2020.

Library employees are working right now to open up in a temporary space in the old Turner, Wood & Smith Insurance building, which is located just across Main Street from the main branch.

HCLS Executive Director Lisa MacKinney said the temporary location is on track to open to the public on Monday, April 1. 

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Saturday, March 23 for the renovation of the HCLS Main Branch in Gainesville. Pictured left to right: Jeff Crocker, architect from BCA Studios; Mike Grizzel, contractor from Scroggs and Grizzel; Sam Evans, Construction Committee; Jock Connell, Hall County Manager; Nate Rall, Facilities Director from Georgia Public Library Service; Abit Massey, Friends of the Library; Rep. Matt Dubnik; Library Director Lisa MacKinney; Library Board Chairman Mark Pettitt; Hall County Commission Chairman Richard Higgins; Hall County Commissioner Shelly Echols; Julie Walls, Library Board; Amy White, Library Board; Jamie Lovett, Library Board. (Photo submitted)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2019/3/777965/hcls-holds-groundbreaking-ceremony-for-renovation-of-downtown-gainesville-branch