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The Carnegie Library Replicating the original opening week of the Carnegie Library in 1904, the Newnan Carnegie Library Foundation marked the opening of this historic landmark with festivities for every age and interest during the week. Tuesday, September 15th - "The March of the Tartans" was held in honor of the Star- Gathering in the late afternoon on September 15th, the crowd of well-wishers was treated to a performance by the Royal Scottish Country Dancers Society on the grassy lawn of Greenville Street Park. Afterwards, behind tartan banners, including Andrew Carnegie’s own family tartan, marchers assembled for the processional to the library steps. The pipers and drummers led the assembly to the strains of "Scotland the Brave" through the downtown streets. The skies held out but true to typical Scottish weather, a downpour ensued upon arrival and the City of Newnan’s ribbon cutting ceremony was moved to the upstairs auditorium. The capacity crowd enjoyed remarks by Mayor Keith Brady, Foundation Event Chair, Alise Cartledge and special guest and Carnegie Library expert, Glenn Walsh of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The tartan-clad Atkinson Elementary School choir sang a selection of Scottish airs for the grand finale, and the evening closed with refreshments and tours. Wednesday, September 16th - Preschool Open House Day, "Story Time on the Hour" Area Preschoolers, many able to walk from their Preschool to the Carnegie, enjoyed Story Time by some of Scott Bookstore’s finest storytellers. This brought back a beloved tradition which will once again be offered every week by library staff and supplemented on special occasions by The Foundation. Thursday, September 17th - the Inauguration of the "Lunch and Learn" Lecture Series Esteemed Constitutional Historian and President of the Georgia Humanities Council, Dr. Jamil Zainaldin kicked off the first lunchtime lecture, "Miracle in Philadelphia" on the 222nd anniversary of the signing of the Constitution in the new auditorium to a crowded lunch hour gathering. Downtown restaurants offered special "brown bag" lunches for $5.00 to attendees with The Foundation serving up drinks and sweets. Enthusiastic survey results gave Dr. Zainaldin’s colorful and informative lecture high marks, attendees loved the concept, the venue, the lunches – and so, we are off to a great start! Friday evening, September 18th - the Smithsonian Associates Lecture A resident of Washington, DC and native of Mississippi, Linda R. Monk, J.D., constitutional scholar, journalist, and nationally award-winning author presented "Creating the Constitution: The Road to Philadelphia and Back Again" incorporating Georgian’s roles in signing the document. A lively question and answer session followed and Ms. Monk was available afterward for a booksigning sponsored by Scott’s Bookstore. Saturday, September 19th - Family Day Block Party with Special Guest, Senator Johnny Isakson An onslaught of torrential rain caused the outdoor games portion to be rescheduled –however Senator Johnny Isakson braved the weather to make his appointment at Story Time with Preschoolers. "Dewey" the Library Cat jumped in his lap and all enjoyed the classic Old MacDonald had a Farm tale, and had their picture taken with the Senator and Dewey. Following Story Time, young civic scholars from area high schools and home schools were joined by the Newnan Youth Council in a town hall style forum with the Senator. After brief remarks, the Senator Isakson took questions from the students on current affairs and issues of concern. Other local legislators were in attendance and the event was taped for Nulink’s educational channel. This event closed the week’s festivities – taking celebrants on a journey from the past to the future … as the Carnegie celebrates its historic return and purpose, in the words of Charles Thompson "to provide better for the higher life of its people". |
Spangled Scotsman, Andrew Carnegie and Newnan’s own Charles Thompson