By Betsy Finklea
A ribbon cutting to commemorate the reopening of the Latta Library with its new Youth Reading Room was held on Monday.
Dillon County Library Director Christina Herring Fowler said it had been three years and the staff was ready to open this library for the public.
Mayor Marcus McGirt made several remarks about the reopening of the library. “Today, we celebrate more than the reopening of a library—we celebrate the continued investment in the heart and future of our community,” said Mayor McGirt.
“As Mayor of Latta, I am truly delighted to see this vision come to fruition. This moment is not only meaningful for our town, but it is also deeply personal for me. I spent many days in the Latta Library growing up alongside my grandmother, and it was in those moments that I developed my love for reading and writing—something that has shaped who I am today,” said Mayor McGirt.
“The addition of the Rebecca H. and Dr. Frank McMillan III Reading Room stands as a testament to the power of vision, generosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Dr. McMillan’s story reminds us that something as simple as a child discovering books in this very library can grow into a legacy that gives back for generations,” said Mayor McGirt.
“On behalf of the Town of Latta, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Frank McMillan III for his generous donation to bring this vision forward, and to Mr. Lafon Legette for his donation of land. Your contributions will be felt for a long time throughout this community. Also, a huge thank you to the Latta Library Foundation members. Your hard work in this matter and we appreciate you,” said Mayor McGirt.
“Libraries are where imagination is born, where knowledge is accessible to all, and where communities come together to grow stronger. This space will serve as a place where young minds are inspired, opportunities are expanded, and the next generation begins to write their own stories. Thank you all for being a part of this special day, and let’s continue building a stronger Latta together,” said Mayor McGirt.
Representative Jackie Hayes said that this reading room would be an asset for young children providing them books and materials outside of the school setting. He said that the addition had been a “monumental task” and thanked all who had played a part in it. He said the library was more than just reading books. He also noted that the new bookmobile that he and Senator Kent Williams had secured funds for would soon be arriving. Representative Hayes also thanked Leesa Aiken, director of the South Carolina State Library, for attending,
Mayor McGirt the called on LaFon LeGette, who was instrumental in donating the property, and Dillon County Council Chair Dennis Townsend for remarks.
Library Director Christina Herring also thanked everyone who played a part in this project. McGirt called on Latta Town Councilwoman Lizzie Crawford to offer a prayer. Then, Mayor McGirt cut the ribbon which was being held by Library Director Herring and Librarian Alesha McCall.
The Youth Reading Room was made possible by Dr. Francis Marion “Frank” McMillan, III, who left a $2.2 million gift in his will for the construction of a children’s and adolescent reading room. The library has been closed for the past few years while the work on the reading room has been occurring.
Fred Ellis, who was unable to attend the ribbon cutting, was given credit by various foundation and library board members that we spoke to as being the “workhorse” who took on many aspects of the project, overseeing the project, and bringing it to fruition. Many said without his efforts this project would never have been done to the excellence that was unveiled on Monday.
After learning of the McMillan donation, the project discussions began back in mid-2019 with a large community meeting where overwhelmingly those in attendance wanted Dr. McMillan’s wish of a Youth Reading Room to be honored rather than a new library to be built. A groundbreaking on the project occurred in April 2023.
After numerous issues during the construction and the deaths of many people connected to the project including Head Library Director Yolanda McCormick, whose portrait hangs inside the new addition, Architect Danny Shelley, Library Board Chairman Tommy Stephens, and a close relative of Dr. McMillan Shirley McMillan Kopituk, the project was finally unveiled on Monday.
The work included taking off the north wing added in the 1950s, which was two stories, and placing a one level 5,000 sq. ft. addition to the original building. The same style of architecture was used. Landscaping was done to accentuate the beauty of the building.
The Latta Library was established in 1913 and opened in 1914. W.C. Allen, a local Latta businessman, is credited as leading the movement to establish a library beginning his efforts in 1911. C.F. Bass donated the land where the library now stands. Latta was one of 13 towns in the state to get funds from the Carnegie Corporation to build new libraries. It is one of just a handful of these Carnegie libraries that are still standing. A one mill property tax increase was added to property owners in the Latta School District to fund the library. It wasn’t until the 1970s that each county in the state established library boards to take care of the libraries in their respective counties. Upon discovering that Latta was left the building, the Latta Library Foundation, Inc. was set up with well-known Latta benefactor Fred Ellis as chairman. Then Dillon County Council District Four Councilman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr., who fought to keep the Carnegie Library open after flooding from Hurricane Matthew, aided in getting the county to lease the building from the corporation for 99 years for $1 a year.
The generous benefactor, Dr. Frank McMillan, who was residing in Augusta, Georgia at the time of his death, passed away at the age of 87 on July 6, 2017. According to his obituary, Dr. McMillan “was the son of Francis Marion McMillan II and Rebecca Harmon McMillan and was reared in Latta, SC. He was a graduate of Wofford College and earned his Masters degree from the University of South Carolina. He then served in the U.S. Army. Dr. McMillan earned his Ph.D. from University of Georgia. He worked as a professor at the University of Alabama and then at University of Virginia. In 1970, he began teaching at Augusta College and became Director of Special Education, retiring in 1997. Frank was an accomplished amateur artist. He served on the Board of Directors for Lynndale School for over 37 years. Dr. McMillan loved family, friends, enjoyed music and was well read.”
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon County News, LLC
