The Manchester Coffee County Public Library celebrated its 50^th anniversary at its location at 1005 Hillsboro Blvd. Friday, Oct. 18.

Visitors to the library could see the original “golden” shovel used for the groundbreaking ceremony in 1974, as well as the original artist rendering of the library building.

Library Director Pauline Vaughn said it was great to be able to celebrate the milestone with library patrons.

“It is crazy to think that this building has been here for 50 years, and we just got the carpet redone three years ago,” she said. “There have been a lot of changes that have come about but to me it is still the hub of the community.”

Vaughn said the library welcomes patrons of all ages and demographics and remains a busy place all the time.

“We appreciate the support from the community,” she said.

According to the Coffee County Manchester Public Library Annual Report for 2024, the library welcomed 60,372 people through its doors last year, and 11,717 people are library card holders. The library’s collection includes some 411,505 items and 55,845 print materials. In addition, the library offered 292 total programs for the year with 14,402 people attending.

While an initial open house and dedication was hosted at the library in October 1973, it was not until May 19, 1974 that the library was furnished and ready for patrons. Keeping up with the changing demands of what a public library should offer, its first computer was purchased in 1990 for administrative purposes with public computers coming later.

Other major milestones include its first participation in the statewide Summer Reading Program, a program that continues to this day and most recently reached 629 students.

Youth Services Librarian Daphanie Gragg said she believes it is important to recognize a milestone like a 50^th anniversary.

“I think any big staple that is involved with the community is worth celebrating,” she said. “A lot of times we go by so far and so fast in life that we don’t recognize the small things or celebrate them, and I think 50 years serving the community has been amazing.”