Photos: the McDonough Library Reopens Following a Renovation

Photo shows the exterior of the McDonough Library (Clayton Carte photo).
(Clayton Carte photo)

The McDonough Library has reopened following a major renovation. Check out some photos of the new space!

The renovation was paid for by a state grant and SPLOST V. The library reopened in August 2024.

McDonough Library Renovations

The McDonough Library is located at 1001 Florence McGarity Blvd off Highway 81. It serves as the central branch of the Henry County Library System. The building was originally built in 2001.

In 2019, the Henry County Library System requested the county commissioners to allocate $100 thousand from SPLOST V towards renovations at the McDonough Library. The library system could apply for a state grant, covering 90% of expenses, if the county set aside the local funding. Then District 3 Commissioner Gary Barham was instrumental in incorporating the $100 thousand into the county’s project list.

After securing local funding for the project, the library system sought the assistance of State Senators Jones and Strickland for the state grant. Their collaborative efforts paid off in 2022 when the state budget included $900 thousand to renovate the McDonough Library. Combined with the local funding, this provided a $1 million dollar budget for the project.

The library closed in December 2023 to begin renovations. It reopened on Monday, August 12. MHF News stopped by this week to check out the new space. Take a look at some photos below!

Library Photos

Photo shows the atrium inside the McDonough Library (Clayton Carte photo).
The renovated atrium welcomes guests when they enter the library complete with an information desk and book return.
Photo shows the circulation desk inside the McDonough Library (Clayton Carte photo).
Around the corner, library staff are at the circulation desk ready to help.
Photo shows furniture and bookshelves inside the McDonough Library (Clayton Carte photo).
Find a cozy seat to work or read a book.
Photo shows bookshelves inside the McDonough Library (Clayton Carte photo).
Pick out a book to check out and read while at home. Just don’t forget to return it before the due date.
Photo shows the door name plate “Gary Barham Community Studio” at the McDonough Library (Clayton Carte photo).
Finally, the Gary Barham Community Studio is a new classroom space available for use. The library board approved naming the classroom after the late Commissioner Barham, for without whom, the renovations would not have been possible.

Library Hours

The McDonough Library is open during the following hours:

Monday12-8
Tuesday10-6
Wednesday10-6
Thursday12-8
Friday10-6
Saturday10-2
SundayCLOSED

For more information about the library system and various upcoming events, be sure and check out their website. An official grand re-opening will follow this fall after all punch list work and an ongoing roof replacement project are complete.

The McDonough Library is one of five branches open in Henry County. Others are in Fairview, Hampton, Locust Grove and Stockbridge.

All photos credit Clayton Carte.

About Clayton 1635 Articles
Clayton Carte is the founder and owner of MHF News. He founded the site in 2017 to highlight transportation projects. Over time, he began covering other topics like new development so residents can best know what’s happening in our community.

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