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The City of Orrville held a groundbreaking ceremony for its first-ever public library Dec. 19 at the Town Hall.

At the ceremony, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell presented a $500,000 check in federal funding to build the new library.  Sewell called it an investment in a Dallas County city, part of the Seventh Congressional District that she represents.

“I want you to know that this $500,000 dollar check is an investment,” Sewell said. ““My mom, Nancy Gardner Sewell, was a librarian in Selma for 42 years. And so, as a child, growing up in a library, it was a very special place to me. I’m the daughter of a librarian.”

Orrville Mayor Louvenia Lumpkin said she’s grateful that Sewell enabled her to fulfill one of her goals during her tenure. Lumpkin also thanked the Orrville City Council and Rep. Prince Chestnut for their unwavering support.

‘’You don’t know how much this means to me,” Lumpkin said. “We don’t give up, If you don’t give up and if you don’t quit, you won’t win.”

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr., who introduced Sewell at the ceremony, said the funds for the Orrville Library is another example of Sewell delivering for her district.

“Congresswoman Sewell is a blessing to the Seventh Congressional District,” Perkins said, “She’s been an extraordinary blessing to Selma through Hurricane Zeta, when we almost lost our water last year and the Jan. 12 tornado.”

Chestnut, who served as Master of Ceremonies, praised Lumpkin for improving the city during her multiple terms as Mayor.

“I’m grateful to know that Louvenia Lumpkin has made drastic change to the city of Orrville over the last 10 years,” Chestnut said.

Lumpkin presented Sewell with a key to the city. Lumpkin also said construction on the library will begin in the spring.

Dallas County Schools Superintendent Anthony Sampson said the library will open up things for the Orrville kids.

Former Selma Mayor Darrio Melton,  Dallas County Commissioners Vivan Rogers and Curtis Williams, Keith High School Principal Tommy Tisdale Jr.,  Keith head basketball coach Marcus Turner and Keith High head footbal coach Anthony Lumpkin were among those who attended the event.