A ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening were held Saturday, February 14, for the new branch of Webster Parish Libraries at 183 Fuller Street in Doyline.
The new facility was designed by Prevot Design Services, APAC and constructed by Testament Construction Services, LLC.
Savannah Jones, director of Webster Parish Libraries, delivered opening remarks highlighting the significance of the project for the community.
“Today is more than a ribbon cutting. It represents growth, partnership, and a shared dream. Doyline has always supported its libraries, and today is a picture of what happens when support meets vision,” Jones said.
“For many years, this branch operated out of a small footprint … but one thing became very certain — Doyline was showing up,” she said. “When you receive that kind of support from the community, you respond.”
“This new branch represents vision, accomplishment, and collaboration at every level,” Jones added.
Jones paid special tribute to Linda Hansford Watson, for whom the meeting hall, Hansford Hall, is named. Watson has served on the Library Board of Control since 1985. The new building sits on the site of her childhood home.
“When you combine that history with 41 years of service to our library system, we knew we had to dedicate this space that we’re standing in right now to Ms. Linda Hansford Watson, and now you have Hansford Hall,” Jones said. “She is with us in the past, she is part of our present, and she will permanently be a part of our future here at Webster Parish Libraries.”
“This branch belongs to the people of Doyline,” she said.
Introducing branch manager Kelly Burge, Jones said, “Your passion is what makes these walls come to life. A building is just a building unless it’s filled with heart.”
“Kelly is the backbone of this library branch. The growth, the programming, and the energy didn’t just happen,” she said.
Jones also thanked elected officials who supported the project, members of the library board and the citizens of Doyline.
“Today we celebrate more than just a grand opening. We celebrate literacy, life-long learning, and community connection. We celebrate what happens when a small town has a vision and the determination to see it through. Welcome to your new Doyline library branch,” she said.
Kelly Burge, branch manager for the Doyline Library and a lifelong resident of Doyline, spoke about her eight years with the library system.
“When I joined the library system eight years ago I had no idea what an impact it would have on my life. What started as a job quickly became so much more. I truly love what I do, I love my patrons, and I love this library system,” Burge said.
“While I’m so grateful for the years we spent in the small branch and the use of the community center, I’m beyond excited to be in this beautiful new space,” she said. “My hope is that the Village of Doyline loves and adores this library as much as I do.”
