Committees, Commissions and Boards
Latest Events
Mon, Aug 2nd, @7:00pm - 08:00PM
City Council Meetings |
Mon, Aug 9th, @6:00pm - 07:00PM
Finance Committee Meeting - 2nd Monday - City Hall at 6:00 p.m. |
Tue, Aug 10th, @5:30pm - 06:30PM
Park and Recreation Board |
Tue, Aug 10th, @6:30pm - 07:30PM
School Committee Meeting |
Thu, Aug 12th, @6:00pm - 07:00PM
Environmental Committee Meeting |
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To see Recent Library News Items, click on the story below:
Two Large Donations
Grand Opening Coming
New Library Director
Story Time for Children
Hours of Operation-
Monday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
More information is on the Jefferson County Library Cooperative Web site. They have a page with directions to the Clay Library location.
The address is 7257 Old Springville Road.
The phone number is 205-680-3812.
About the Library- After seven years, when a councilwoman mentioned the Jayford Ware house might make a good library, the doors opened in what is sure to become a community treasure. The first day was October 1, 2009. The collection is small, but the services are many.
 People can order material from the other Jefferson County Library Cooperative libraries and have it delivered here. This gives Clay residents access to a collection of 1 million items.
The library has five public rooms and a hallway full of books. One room is for the adult collection, another is for the juvenile collection and another room has computers for patrons to use. This is a good place for people to bring their laptop and use the library's Wi-Fi service at no charge. The director's room also has audio books and DVDs.
A copier is available with copies and fax service starting at 15 cents for one page on stadard office paper.
In the back room and entranceway, the Clay Historical Society will have information of Clay's unique history. By appointment, binders are available for those wanting to do geneology research or those doing essays on Clay's history. The society is working to continue to add to this collection.
Also in the back room are books for sale.
The City of Clay Library Board sets policies for the Clay Library.
Patrons will find Director Karen Moody ready to assist them along with volunteers.
History- Jayford Ware, locally known as "Jayfe," was known as a successful farmer who focused on education for his children, even the girls. Three of his daughters became teachers. Older Clay residents said books could be seen on shelves along the hallway in the house. That makes this 1905 farm family home a suitable location for a library.
When the City purchased the 104 acres that is now the Clay City Park, a councilwoman mentioned the house might make a good library. The young city did not have a lot of revenue, so they looked to grants to make improvements to the property for athletic fields. This took time. 
As work was being done for the fields, the Clay City Council considered destroying the house and accompanying structures, including a three-tier barn, a rare style in this area. Some Clay residents called for the homestead to be spared. The barn and a few other structures did not survive the year-long conflict, but the house was saved.
More money was needed to complete the renovations. Jefferson County Commissioner Bettye Fine Collins put up $25,000. Other residents donated funds and labor. Finally, after a change in city leadership, the City put up the rest of the money, and the Clay Library was on track to becoming a reality.
At first, whether the house could be included in the Jefferson County Library Cooperative was questioned. Then in early 2009, the news came that the Clay Library could join, making it the fortieth affiliated library. This opened up many more services for the patrons, more funding and lots of practical assistance.
Plans are to start from these small beginnings and expand the library's space, hours of operation and collection.
Patrons can access many of the library services, including ordering from other JCLC libraries and help with tutoring, from their home through the JCLC Web site.
Jayfe Ware House, built in 1905, is now the Clay Library.
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