The Gunn Memorial Public Library in Yanceyville has been described as more of a community center than a “hush hush” library by Caswell County Public Library Director Rhonda Griffin (see “Community Projects Thrive with Electric Co-op Funding” from Carolina Country magazine). The once-cramped space received a major expansion and renovation in part due to a $995,000 zero-interest loan facilitated by Piedmont Electric. The loan was funded through U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program.
Caswell County Manager Bryan Miller speaks at the ribbon-cutting event.
The facility, officially reopened at a May 1 ribbon-cutting ceremony, provides increased resources and educational opportunities for every citizen in Caswell County, with new facilities including a local history room, meeting rooms and business center.
“The library contributes to economic development in the county by helping job applicants build resumes and grow a competitive workforce,” said Griffin. “The expansion also allows for increased educational opportunities for our students with STEM labs, tutoring and after school activities.”
“We are proud to support a community in which we serve and help the Caswell County Public Library fund their expansion,” said Steve Hamlin, Piedmont Electric President and CEO. “Education and supporting our community are two of our seven guiding principles that we have followed since we were founded over 80 years ago. Working with the library gives us a unique opportunity to invest in our students’ education and the county’s economic development.”
To date, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have participated in the financing of more than 100 economic development projects through the REDLG program, channeling more than $1 billion into rural communities.