The West Branch Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On Thursday, October 13th, Marian Lytle (Director of The Mooresville Public Library) flanked by the Mayor and the Commissioners of the Town of Mooresville,  cut the ribbon on the new West Branch Library located at 614 Brawley School Rd (the intersection of Brawley School and Williamson.)

As Mooresville grew in population, so did the area west of the town – the other side of I 77 — in zip code 28117. The more the population increased, the more apparent it became that an additional library was needed.

Library Director Marian Lytle has worked tirelessly with her staff, the Town of Mooresville and Iredell County to make this dream come true. With determination, hard work and tenacity. The doors to The West Branch Library are now open to the public.

“It’s nothing short of beautiful,” Marian Lytle proudly declares. ”It’s gorgeous.”

Each speaker at the ceremony spreads praise and congratulatory words about this incredible feat and the people who made it happen. 

The Event Was Well Attended

In spite of a dubious weather forecast, the skies were blue and the ceremony was well attended by excited book lovers of all ages. 

The facility is beautifully decorated with vibrant colors, comfortable décor, and modern technology that invites people to – come, relax, enjoy — while doing research, attending library events or finding  your next favorite book. 

The West Branch Has an Amazing Staff

“We are thrilled to be unveiling our vibrant innovative library – The West Branch – and it really has taken a village,” says Nancy Rath, Assistant Library Director.  “Come . . . connect, discover and grow with us,” adds April Llewellyn, Branch Manager.

Without a doubt, the Mooresville Public Library staff is not only knowledgeable and professional — they are also friendly, welcoming, and always smiling.

Kim Burrell, who has worked with the Mooresville library for 22 years, beams with pride as she says, “Moving over here to the new West Branch has been an inspiration. I love working here.” 

 “It just amazes me how the more technology changes, the more I realize the importance of libraries,” says Derek Edmisten, Staff Librarian. “I actually think of libraries as active community centers and this is exactly what we have on the west side.”  

“The West Branch Library has a fantastic, positive team including April Llewelly, Derek Edminston, Kim Burrell and Lynae Vissering. The staff is absolutely dynamic,” says Crystal Steele who is the Outreach for Youth Services and Story Time (at the local schools.)   “The staff,” Steele chuckles. “they come with the building.” Smiling, she adds, “They’re going to make an impact over here on the west side helping our patrons find what they need and reading what they love.” 

Friends of the Library

“I recently joined the ‘Friends of the Library’ and it is so much fun,” says Nancy Pawl. “If you are looking for a place to volunteer your time, this is a wonderful and worthy organization.”

A Little History about the Mooresville Library

In 1890, citizens of Mooresville donated books and put them in the basement of the old Town Hall building. They called it a “Lending Library” – a person could ‘rent’ a book for a day.

By 1899, Mooresville added the library as an official department of the town, changed the name to the “Mooresville Free Library” and the librarian was paid.

Over the decades, the library changed locations multiple times – staying the longest in the Town Hall building, which was located on Board Street in those years.

In 1939, Mrs. Lutell Sherrill Williams – who had moved to Winston Salem – converted her family home at 304 South Main Street and built a permanent library on the footprint of her original house. In 1964, a 900-square-foot addition was added to the building.

The beloved library we know today was not built until 2006 when an additional 30,000 square feet was added. 

The town of Mooresville has grown and the population has exploded; as a result, an second library is needed – The West Branch is now open.  Stop by and check it out.

Information about the history of the Mooresville Public Library was found on this website: 

https://www.mooresvillenc.gov/government/departments/library/about_us.php

Article and photos courtesy of Tesa Jones
Tesa Jones

Tesa Jones is a graduate of Elon College, now Elon University, a mother of two, a grandmother of five, and she currently resides in Mooresville with her husband. She is a published author, an avid blogger, and a passionate photographer. Learn more about Tesa Jones at

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