County School Kids to Help New Library By Signing Timber Pegs and Donating Money

FRANKLIN-Each Macon County student's name can actually become part of the new Public Library in a unique program that begins in March.

Children will sign their names on hundreds of locust pegs that will be used in constructing the library's timber frame ceiling above the main reading room.

Volunteers from the Macon County Retired School Personnel Assoc. will visit each school in March to oversee the program.

Betty Huffman, association president and a Friends of the Library board member, is heading the effort. Others on the Friends/Public Library Building Fund subcommittee include Elizabeth McClure of the retiree's group and Carol Mitten or the Public Library.

"Signing the pegs is a way for each county school child to have the opportunity to become part of building the new Macon County Public Library," Huffman said.

Cartoogechaye Elementary School students Danielle Thornton and Jim Armfield, both 11, sign eight-sided Douglas fir pegs for the new Library. School Librarian Elaine Holland looks on.

In addition, donation containers for students to contribute to the library building fund will be placed in each school cafeteria. The fund-raising goal is $1.5 million to furnish the $4-million library under construction by the county off Siler Road. Almost half of the goal has already been reached in donations and pledges.

Cartoogechaye kindergartners Haley Gibson, 5, and Turner Swafford, 6, give to the new library building fund. Retired teacher Betty Huffman (left) and the school's lead teacher Carol Waldroop watch.

Children who are home schooled can sign their pegs at the Public Library.

Cabin Creek Timber Frames has the contract for the work and will supply up to 800 pegs for the kids to sign.

The School System plans to encourage parents to have their children participate.

For further information about the program, contact Betty Huffman, (828) 7446.