The Black and Williams neighborhood community center has upgraded its community room to provide access to Wi-Fi, Chromebooks and books for all ages.
“Thank you to Council Member Josh McCurn for this work on this room,” said Mayor Linda Gorton. “This venue is built on strong partnerships, which are always important to moving Lexington forward.”
McCurn said: “I am thrilled for those who live in and around the Georgetown Street Area who will now have easier access to Wi-Fi, Chromebooks, books for all ages and a safe space to relax. and reunite with friends and family. From work to play to learning, this room was designed with everyone’s needs in mind and I’m happy to see it officially open to the community! »
For nearly two years, Councilman McCurn, who represents the 2nd District, has been working to revitalize a community hall, temporarily known as the Reading Room, in the Black and Williams neighborhood community center. “As a former school in Lexington, seeing this building continue to give back to its neighbors, especially educationally, is special,” McCurn said.
Not having a library in the area sparked the conversation between McCurn and the Lexington Public Library, which led Director of Development, Marketing and Communications Anne Donworth and Outreach Services Manager Kelli Parmley to visit the site and develop an action plan on how they can help.
“We are proud to be part of this partnership to create an inviting space for families and youth along the Georgetown Street corridor,” said Heather Dieffenbach, Executive Director of the Lexington Public Library. “Our community does best when young people have a safe and welcoming place to learn, play and grow. »
As partnerships were key to the success of this hall, donations from Bluegrass Community & Technical College and Charter Communications provided the hall with more amenities.
“Charter is committed to supporting the communities we serve, and that includes providing technology to help students and families access the internet so they can learn and study remotely,” said Jason Keller, vice- President of Government Affairs of Charter Communications. “We welcome the opportunity to support the Georgetown Street Area neighborhood and efforts to help connect the local community.”
As former and current residents of the neighborhood, or graduates of the old school, members of the Black and Williams Center Board have been part of the conversation from the start and welcome the additional services and programs of the neighborhood center.
“We are delighted that the community has the opportunity to use The Reading Room for multiple purposes, in particular to be able to create their own home libraries by bringing a book home,” said the Vice President of the Georgetown district. Street and the president of the Black and Williams district. Rolanda Woolfork center board.
The Black and Williams Neighborhood Center is located at 498 Georgetown St. and is currently open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.