The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Gritters Library attracted a packed house on Thursday, November 14.

The Cobb Library Foundation sponsored the event, which was hosted by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, Cobb County Manager, Cobb County Public Library Board of Trustees, Cobb County Workforce Development, and Cobb PARKS.

The new Gritters Library replaces the former Gritters facility, which opened in 1973. It is located at 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta 30066, off Canton Road, one mile north of the Piedmont Road intersection.   The rebuild cost nearly $10 million and was funded through the county's SPLOST program, grants from the Georgia Public Library System, and funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

"This state-of-the-art facility is much more than just a repository for books," said Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid. "It is a place of learning, growth, and opportunity. This is a direct investment in the future of Cobb County."

"This is a community asset not only for this part of Cobb but the whole county," said District 3 Commissioner JoAnn Birrell. "As we tour and explore Gritters today, our imagination will be greatly inspired by how Gritters will positively impact residents, schools, businesses, faith communities, and people of all ages and backgrounds."

The library is designed to serve as a focal point for a growing, diverse community. Cobb County Public Library officials said that Gritters will promote literacy and education, workforce development, civic engagement, and health and wellness. Gritters, adjacent to Shaw Park, serves a community of about 65,000 people within a three-mile radius, including eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools.