The Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society will host its monthly Sunday Afternoon Lecture, “The Blue Ridge Regional Library: Enriching Our Communities for 110 Years” with Margaret Caldwell, on Sunday, March 17, 3 p.m., at the Historic Henry County Courthouse.
Caldwell, Chair of the BRRL Board of Trustees, will touch on each of the library branches’ histories over the years. The BRRL has continuously adapted to changing times, and she will describe the resources, programs, and services available today which enable its staff to fulfill its mission. She will also share a model and plans for their Bassett Expansion project.
The history of the library system can be traced back to 1913 when a group of Martinsville Woman’s Club members conceived the idea to buy books to be circulated during the year and then donated them to form a library. The Martinsville, Patrick County, and Collinsville libraries joined forces in 1974 to create the Blue Ridge Regional Library. The Ridgeway and Bassett locations joined in the 1990s. The system’s mission is to provide free, friendly service and access to timely materials that educate, enrich, and entertain the entire community.
John Phillips, president of the Historical Society, said, “At least five generations of my family have used our local library system. I recall fondly many afternoons at the Martinsville branch after school under the watchful eyes of Carl Dehart and the hamster in the activity ball. What a treasure our library system has been and continues to be.”
Admission to the Sunday Afternoon Lecture series is free, made possible by corporate sponsors, Carter Bank & Trust and The Lester Group. The Historic Henry County Courthouse is fully handicapped accessible. The Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center & Museum will be open following the presentation.
