“Too valuable to lose or misuse,“ is the phrase being used by locals wanting to research how to best use the old library building on Friend Street.

As the new library opened its doors in early January, the building that has housed the post office and then library became vacant.

Newberry County Museum Society President Randy Berry and Museum Coordinator Ernest Shealy asked County Council Wednesday night to allow them to set up a committee to research how to best use the historic empty building.

“It is a rare opportunity when a historic building becomes available,“ said Shealy.

Councilman Les Hipp agreed that the building should stay in the public sector.

“It is not just your average building,“ said Councilman John Caldwell. “It helped put Newberry on the map and should be kept and preserved.“

Hipp voiced concerns that other county building projects and remodels have not always been the best approach in the past.

“What’s best for the long-term use?“ he asked.

Councilman Bill Waldrop voiced concern about the building having roof problems, but Shealy said the committee would look into the cause of the leaks.

County Administrator Wayne Adams said the building may be needed to free up space in the courthouse for an office for a resident circuit judge and this would cause the Assessor’s Office to be displaced.

But all the council members agreed to let the Museum Society set up a committee to research options for the building.

The committee will be made up of members of County Council, municipal representatives, the School District, the Opera House Foundation, Newberry College, local industries, organizations and civic leaders.

— File photo