This year, 2021, marks twenty years since Collierville’s “new” library opened at 501 Poplar View Parkway. Named for the generous couple who donated the land for the site, the Collierville Burch Library has been and is an impressive legacy for the Burch family and for Collierville.
Former Library director Deanna Britton and current director Lisa Plath have guided the staff through the changes of the digital age, and now the Library is well equipped with many online resources and services, as well as books in hardback, audio and electronic formats. The meeting and story-telling rooms are (in non-pandemic times) regularly filled with attendees to programs on a wide range of subjects geared for both children and adults.
“We have worked hard over the last twenty years to improve and grow and find new things to offer to the Collierville community while staying in the book business,” says Collierville Burch Library Director Lisa Plath. “But sometimes you need to stop and reflect and express gratitude for the people who have gone before you who have made places like the beautiful Collierville Library a reality.”
The range of materials and services available through the Library has progressed considerably from the Town’s early sources of reading materials for its residents.
The Shelby County Bookmobile was Collierville’s official source for borrowed books from 1931 to 1951. The Town’s first official library opened in 1956 and was housed in a concrete block stucco building at the corner of Walnut and Rowlett. A new building was dedicated nine years later, and the space was increased over the years as the Library’s collection grew. Finally, the present building was dedicated on March 3, 2001, and three years later the Town took over financing and managing the Library apart from the Memphis/Shelby County library system. The day to day management was still subcontracted out until 2015, when the Town took over and made the Collierville Burch Library truly its own.
Library staff have proven over the last year and a half that they can even provide information and entertainment during the worst of times. Now, with their 20th year birthday at hand, they are ready to celebrate!
Here are the contests, activities and special programs the Library has planned for residents to help them celebrate 20 years:
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Mini Art Show – September 22.
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Writing workshops - Tuesday, September 14th and Saturday, October 2
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Multi author book signing - September 25 https://colliervilletn.gov/booksigning
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Friends book sale - September 23-25
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Anniversary cookies/balloons/posters/timeline/books for sale – October 2
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Library History Books for sale
Stop by the Collierville Burch Library and say “Happy Birthday!” While you’re there, sign up for a library card if you don’t have one, because September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month. And take part in one of the activities listed above, or just take the time to browse through the Library’s collection. It’s time to celebrate 20 years of the best in Collierville Library services.
