By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP
Advance Managing Editor
The Atmore Public Library is one of the jewels of the community and whether it is providing internet access to students or the latest bestseller to local bookworms, it serves an important purpose to almost every citizen.
These services are free to the public, but not free to the library or the city government. That is why the funds obtained through the United Fund are so important.
The local library is a non-profit organization that serves members of not just Atmore, but also from Huxford, Uriah, Canoe, Jay, Davisville, Century and Walnut Hill and the money they get through the United Fund serves as its basic operating budget. In other words, without the United Fund money, the library would most likely not exist.
The library works hand-in-hand with local schools through programs designed to encourage reading and other educational activities.
The library does get individual donations from "Friends of the Library", but Bolden said it is the money from the United Fund that helps keep the library in practical working order.
Since its opening the library has continued to grow in volumes, technology and membership.
The libraries across the country continue to experience problems keeping up with the fast-moving pace of modern technology. But, with the help of donated funds, the Atmore Public Library has recently made it possible for patrons to visit the library without leaving their homes.
It is the money given to the library through the United Fund that allows the library to make improvements and keep up with the needs of its members.