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Southside Tallahassee's B.L. Perry Branch Library celebrates its silver anniversary

Dr. B. L. Perry's granddaughter Joy Randall shared many memories of her "Poppa" with the celebrants.
Tom Flanigan
Dr. B. L. Perry's granddaughter Joy Randall shared many memories of her "Poppa" with the celebrants.

One of Southside Tallahassee's most vital resources celebrated a quarter-century of service on Saturday, July 25.

Leon County Library Director Pamela Monroe welcomed the crowd that filled the building's central lobby.

"And thank you for joining us to celebrate 25 years of being in this space."

That space is named after Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr., the president of Florida A&M University from 1968 until 1977. His granddaughter, Joy Randall, came all the way from her Las Vegas home to join the party and express how proud her "Poppa" would be to see this legacy.

"Children are still here learning, they're growing, they're reading and bettering themselves and society. He would love that!"

Library leadership estimates nearly three million people - most of them young people - have visited the branch since it opened.

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Tom Flanigan has been with WFSU News since 2006, focusing on covering local personalities, issues, and organizations. He began his broadcast career more than 30 years before that and covered news for several radio stations in Florida, Texas, and his home state of Maryland.

Find complete bio, contact info, and more stories. here.