Washington County Library to host grand opening for Gray branch

The grand opening for the Washington County Library's Gray branch located at 533 Sid Martin Rd. will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. The Gray branch has been open since Wednesday, March 18 and had a total of 833 visitors in the first week of business. Washington County Library Director Laura Moree said since the opening the library has seen a 330% increase in new cards since last year. The grand opening will have short program beginning at 11 a.m. in the parking lot where Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy will make an appearance amongst other individuals who have worked closely with the Gray branch. Laurie Levknecht, chairperson of the Washington County Library Board, said there will be food trucks in the parking lot for patrons. She also said following the program a ribbon cutting will take place and community members will be able to then enter the library. Following the grand opening date the library will expand its hours to normal operation as well as its programs and amenities. The branch's hours would be the following: Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Moree said starting next week, the library will expand its hours on Tuesday to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The branch's hours are currently every day except Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. while staff adjust to the new space. In other news at the board meeting, members approved the 2026-27 fiscal year budget for both the Gray and Jonesborough branches. The budget is an 11% increase from the 2025-26 fiscal year budget due to the new location and additional part-time employees. The library's budget will be sent to the Washington County budget committee for a recommendation of approval by the County Commission.