Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce recently teamed up with Reinhardt University for a ribbon-cutting reception that celebrated a transformed Hill Freeman Library and Spruill Learning Center.

The change here is marvelous, Chamber President Pam Carnes said at the ceremony. The renovated second floor of the library was filled with community leaders, residents, Reinhardt faculty and staff, and members of the Reinhardt Board of Trustees.

Days like this are days that college presidents live for, Reinhardt President Dr. Kina S. Mallard said, smiling. My heart is full. President Mallard thanked Cherokee County Manager Jerry Cooper, the Sequoyah Regional Library System and Waleska Mayor Doris Jones for their partnership and support.

The renovation created a multi-use space for the Reinhardt family and community. It was made possible by approval of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners to release $1 million of voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax money (SPLOST). SPLOST funds are one percent of the Countys overall sales tax.

Renovations completed this summer in the 14,411-square-foot space include a new community room, six collaborative learning rooms, childrens area, career and vocational counseling office, tutoring rooms, technology lab and more.

The community room seats 96 people and is for everyone to use, Mallard said. Director of Library Services Joel Langford said the renovation has changed the dynamic of the library. Students are loving the new space and the collaborative study areas. The top floor is much busier since the renovation, and we also have twenty laptop computers that can be checked out.