On Sunday, April 10, 2011, a dream became a reality for Friends of the Seadrift Library with the dedication and open house of the new Calhoun County Library, Seadrift Branch at 500 South Fourth Street in Seadrift. The small size of the old library had been a concern for some time; there was just not enough room to store the books and other materials while allowing space for patrons to comfortably utilize the facility. But in 2006, Commissioner Kenneth Finster approached the Friends of the Seadrift Library (FOSL) with the opportunity to turn part of the old elementary school building into the new library they had been wanting for so long.
The old elementary school, built in 1963, had been vacant for many years. It was acquired by Calhoun County in 2003. Commissioner Finster asked the Friends of the Library if they would accept responsibility for raising funds to renovate the building for a library, and in September of 2006, a reorganizational meeting of the FOSL was held, and plans begun to renovate the building.
FOSL members responded quickly to the challenge. Just a month later, they held an Open House at the site of the proposed new library. To kick off the new renovation project, members dressed as “book characters” and read to children. Pizza and drinks were served and a fireworks display was held at the bay front. This was followed by a New Year’s fireworks display with the FOSL selling refreshments. The next big fund raiser was a Sports Raffle and Barbecue at the library site in April of 2007.
A Happy Moment: Janie Waghorne, President of FOSL and Commissioner Kenneth Finster rejoice after the cutting of the ribbon to open the doors of the new Seadrift Library.
The following year, FOSL held a very successful fund raiser with a meal and silent auction at Falcon Point Ranch, a beautiful setting on San Antonio Bay. There was an enormous amount of support, and with the donation of hardiplank by Art Duncan and Bill Ball of Falcon Point Ranch, FOSL was able to upgrade the exterior of the building – a beautiful start on the renovation! Since that time, an outdoor meal and silent auction has been held each April.
Juaniece Madden, as grant writer, was instrumental in raising approximately $175,000 through grants and foundations. Kathleen Welder Carey was also responsible for numerous donations to the annual fund raiser. When her sister, Elizabeth Welder Morgan, passed away, Kathleen had memorials to her sent to the Friends of the Seadrift Library. She also introduced a personal friend, Buddy Kamin, to the cause, and in turn, Buddy donated the entire furnishings for the library’s Adult Reading Room in memory of his mother, Carolyn Tucker Kamin. Mrs. Kamin was an educator who taught special needs children for many years.
The library’s Community Meeting Room was donated by Luanna Goetz and family in memory of Larry J. Goetz. The First National Bank, with branches in Port Lavaca, Seadrift, and Port O’Connor, donated money for the Childrens’ Reading Room. FOSL is deeply indebted to these individuals for their outstanding contributions to the success of the renovation project.
Inside the building is a historical mural painted by Kathy Sayre. The mural depicts the Karankawa Indians in their surroundings and habitat. There are fine details of marine and animal wildlife indigenous to our area. Vickie Campbell added artistic calligraphy lettering at the top of the mural.
The outside of the building reflects a coastal feel, with a large abstract wave, designed by Dodie Sanders Murphy of Victoria, painted across the front in three colors of blue, painted by Ehder Puentes with help from local artist, Kathy Yarborough. Dodie also designed the awning at the front door, repeating the curve of the waves. Marty Strakos of Coastline Trailers in Seadrift, along with Craig Vossler of T-Tops and More in Port O’Connor, made the unique awning of aluminum. Marty and Steve Waghorne, a local draftsman with construction background, worked together to install the awning frame with the help of Chris Thumann. Because of high winds, the awning cover was not installed for the dedication. Adam Price and Marty Strakos will install it at a later date. All of these individuals donated their time, materials, and labor at no cost to the library project.
Following the dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting, the keys to the building were passed to Librarian CJ Garriott, who reported this week that packing and moving has begun. The Seadrift Lions Club is organizing a “Book Brigade” for Saturday, April 30. They hope to rally enough library patrons, including children, to pass childrens’ books hand-to-hand from the old library to the new library, which is three blocks away. The Lions will provide drinks and CJ will furnish treats for the participants.
Officers and Directors of Friends of the Seadrift Library are: President, Janie Waghorne, Vice President, Helon Loep; Secretary, Alene Haynie; Treasurer, Linda Curry; Membership, Barbara Campbell. The Building Committee is: Helon Loep, Janie Waghorne, Rayburn Haynie, and Steve Waghorne. Advisors: Juaniece Madden, grants; Precinct 4 Commissioner, Kenneth Finster; and Calhoun County Library Director, Noemi Cruz.
