A winter storm threw a wrench in the plans to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the re-opening of Athens-Limestone Public Library at its new location, but this year will be different, according to Director Paula Laurita.

The Athens-Public Library is hosting a celebration of its second anniversary on Saturday, Jan. 28, with a showing of valuable artworks.

The library, which was constructed out of an abandoned Kroger building on South Jefferson Street, houses more than just books and computers. Library board members planned the construction of exhibition spaces for public use. Local high schoolers have already shown pieces there in commemoration of the Holocaust.

Laurita told The News Courier that in honor of the library’s anniversary, a longtime patron is loaning original paintings by prolific artist Peter Max and lithographs made and signed by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall.

“We’re really excited to share these with the community,” Laurita said. “We’d been talking about (displaying the works) for a while and this just seemed appropriate.”

The exhibition opens at 3 p.m. Jan. 28 and includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and live music. Laurita said the original Peter Max paintings featured will be taken down from display after the party, so those interested in seeing the entire exhibition must buy a ticket.

Tickets are on sale for $20 at the library or online at alcplfoundation.org.