Washington Memorial Library celebrates 100 year history, looks to the future

Established in 1923, Washington Memorial was the first free public library in Macon.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Libraries are more that just a place to read a good book but also serve as a space where anyone can access a wealth of knowledge and resources.

That’s why one Macon library is celebrating 100 years of service to the community.

The Washington Memorial Library first opened its doors in November 1923. A century later, the library is looking back on its history with its 100th birthday celebration.

According to head of the Middle Georgia Archives, Muriel M. Jackson, the celebration marks the start of the next 100 years.

She explains Washington Memorial was named after Judge Hugh Vernon Washington, whose sister, Ellen Washington Bellamy, used the money left to her after his death to build the library.

“He had always been active with what was then known as the Macon Public Library, an historical society which most people know was a library board room across from the Grand Opera House,” Jackson said.

Before its construction, Jackson says there were no free public libraries in Macon.

She says Washington Memorial was also one of the first libraries with a genealogy room south of Washington D.C., which is why people from across the Southeast love to visit the library.

William Maxwell has been a patron of the Washington Memorial Library for 25 years. Now a resident of Jacksonville, Florida, Maxwell says he still makes time to stop by.

“This is pretty much the place to go if you’ve got family in this area Southeast of the United States,” Maxwell said. “I’m always into history, and I love history, and for it to be around that long, it’s just a great thing.”

A lot has changed in 100 years.

Since 1923, the library has been renovated to accommodate for its growth and updated to keep up with changing technology.

That’s why the marketing coordinator for the Middle Georgia Regional Library, Alexandria Hughes-Holsey, says she’s hopeful for the future of Washington Memorial.

“I see this library a hundred years from now still helping to bridge those gaps and still being there for our our community that we serve,” Hughes-Holsey said.

She says the celebration ultimately is about highlighting access to literacy in the community for the everyday person.

“It just shows the evolution of access whereas things used to be privileged and kind of safeguarded away from the general public,” she said. “Now you have public libraries where all are welcome to come.”

The birthday celebration marks the start of a year full of celebration events at Washington Memorial Library. You can stay up-to-date on those events by following @MGRLibraries on social media or by subscribing to the library’s e-newsletter.

Here is the tentative schedule of celebration events for the upcoming year:

• December

• January

• February

• March

• April

• May

• June

• July

• August

• September

• October