Through the dedication and abundant fundraising efforts of five founders – Lynne Payne Beadles, Lucille Alladio Busey, Mattie Lena Ingram, Louise Murphy, and Lucy Redwine – the Margaret Mitchell Public Library was completed on September 27, 1948, as a symbol of Fayette County’s boundless ambition. Upon completion, their hard work garnered praise from critically acclaimed author, Margaret Mitchell with her efforts towards expanding the lives found within the library holdings

The community is proud to recognize the founders of the Margaret Mitchell Public Library in Fayette County: Mrs. Lynne Payne Beadles 1886-1959, Mrs. Lucille Alladio Busey 1894-1971, Mrs. Mattie Lena Ingram 1894-1984, Mrs. Louise Murphy 1893-1986, and Mrs. Lucy Redwine 1889-1976 (from left: Mrs. Ingram, Mrs. Murphy, Miss Thorton, first long-term librarian, Mrs. Busey, and Mrs. Redwine. Ms. Beadles not pictured). These remarkable women worked tirelessly to raise funds for the library building which was completed on September 27, 1948, thanks to their dedication to the Fayette Woman’s Club.

Ms. Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone With the Wind, donated books and funds in honor of the women’s hard work and dedication to the cause. The library was later relocated to Jeff Davis Avenue in 1986 where it stands today as a testament to the legacy of these inspiring women. The library on Jeff Davis Avenue continues to serve as a hub for the community, providing access to a wide range of books and resources. It stands as a reminder of the lasting impact that the Fayette Woman’s Club and these remarkable women have had on the community’s educational and cultural development.

On November 3, 1992, Fayette County citizens approved a 1% Special Local Option Tax to fund the expansion of the library to Heritage Park Way. The new 28,000-square-foot facility was opened on January 13, 1997, with a dedication ceremony held on March 17, 1997. Equipped with an Educational Learning Lab, Distance Learning Center, Georgia History Room, Story Hour Room, and a multi-purpose room, this one-story brick traditional building is truly a sight to behold. In 1999, local artist Patsy Gullett even added her touch by painting murals to commemorate this momentous occasion. The murals depict scenes from Georgia’s rich history and serve as a vibrant backdrop to the library’s various rooms. Visitors can now immerse themselves in an educational and visually stunning environment while exploring the library’s extensive collection of books and resources.

Under the proud and positive leadership of Michelle Bennett-Copeland, this cultural and intellectual center has gone from strength to strength, enriching the community and equipping residents with essential tools for lifelong learning. The library also boasts an active Friends of the Library group, a non-profit volunteer organization that supports library services and programming.

With its meticulously planned Full and Fine Academic Library, computer lab, and museum, the Margaret Mitchell Library stands tall and proud in its new home on Heritage Park Way. It is a living testimony to the passion and commitment of five remarkable women whose determination to bring knowledge and education to the Fayette County citizens came to fruition in 1948. Supported by the Fayette Woman’s Club and novelist Margaret Mitchell, this amazing structure serves its community to this day – almost seventy years later – offering research resources teamed with both historical documents and advanced technology. Long after its founding women have passed away, their selfless giving will continue to lighten the lives of many to come.