Libraries have forever championed the concept of life-long learning and encouraged patrons to use their services as places of inspiration and imagination. In recent years, libraries have taken on roles that are beyond just buildings filled with books, but community centers that offer a wide range of programs and services for people of all ages. Whether you're attending a reptile show in the summer, searching for local history books or using a computer to apply for a job, our local Rosa M. Tarbutton Memorial Library, affectionately known as “The Rosa”, offers much more than books on a shelf!

 

Washington County is very fortunate to have a beautiful library that plays a vital role in enriching the lives of families in our community.  

 

This year marks 116 years that the Transylvania Club opened Sandersville’s first library, and since, has remained the main source of fundraising through the annual Patron’s Campaign.  The rich history between these two organizations is quite a legacy for our rural community. 

 

To kick off the 2025-2026 campaign, we are excited to share some exciting news with you!  The Rosa has experienced a year of change and great progress.  This summer, 204 children registered for the summer reading program with 1358 books read by those who returned their reading logs.  Children and families enjoyed eight summer programs with 454 children, 13 teens and 324 adults attending.  New Director, Trina Norwood, has been busy solidifying her staff and ordering new books and technology.  The staff and volunteers worked 135 hours to plan, develop and administer the summer reading program. 

 

As you can see, our library is a busy place for education, entertainment, and productivity, but like our homes, the library needs yearly attention to areas that are worn and torn.  The carpet, installed 27 years ago in 1998, has worn thin, shows many tears, and has become a trip hazard, requiring mats to be placed on the tears.  Additionally, the lighting in the library is inadequate for working and reading in some areas and needs to be updated to current standards.  These needs are where the Transylvania Club delights in helping by providing financial support.  Last year, our fundraising goal for The Rosa was $25,000 and boy did our community exceed our expectations with $36,030 being raised!  We celebrated with a patron’s party in March with many local citizens seeing parts of the library for the first time ever. 

 

This year, our goal is $30,000.  We hope you will join us again in supporting our beautiful library.  No matter the amount, it will help The Rosa M. Tarbutton Memorial Library continue to be a beacon in our community and a place where learning never ends. 

 

Most sincerely,

 

Deana Bibb, Dianne Mathis and Denise Ray

Ways & Means Committee