AIKEN, S.C. –The public library system in Aiken is expanding.
New Ellenton is getting a brand new library and the Nancy Bonnette Branch Library in Wagener will receive a 1,500 square feet expansion.

"It's long overdue, especially for the New Ellenton branch. So it'll be very rewarding to finally start working on it,” said Regional Library System Director, Mary Jo Dawson.

Dawson is the director of all 14 libraries in Aiken, Bamberg, Barnwell and Edgefield counties.

"I think a lot of folks will discover the library for the first times and we'll see a big jump in circulation in both facilities,” Dawson said.

The architect for the project was picked during last week's Aiken County Council meeting.

Dawson says she's working with him to provide more "meeting space" for storytelling and to keep up with the communities computer service needs.

"A lot of users are coming in for job resumes and applying for jobs online,” Dawson said.

The whole project is funded by Aiken County's local option sales tax.

The library system will receive $285,000 for the Wagener expansion. The new New Ellenton branch is expected to cost $465,000.

"Our mission has well expanded beyond being providers of books, although that's an important part of what we do and people love us for that too."

Dawson says she's been hoping for this expansion for years.

The council expects the two projects to be done by December 2010.

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