Louisa — Patrons will like what they see when the new Lawrence County Public Library officially opens Oct. 26, said Mary McGuire, director. “We’re all boxed up right now,” McGuire said with a chuckle last week as library workers continued their efforts to move everything from a temporary branch to the recently completed structure in downtown Louisa at the former library location.
“We have vacated our temporary space and we are back in our new library.”
McGuire said many patrons declined to visit the temporary location in Louisa because of traffic concerns. The effort to move the library’s shelves, books, computers, furniture and other resource materials has involved many, including extra effort on behalf of the architect and contractors as well as “three football boys from Lawrence County High School,” McGuire said. She also noted assistance provided by library employees and family members.
“We are now trying to find places for everything where we want them to go permanently,” the director said. “We’re just so excited to be back down here. It is still unbelievable for all of us.”
McGuire said parking lot paving was delayed by rain but is expected to be complete soon. As of Sept. 28, McGuire said the lack of a handrail was the only thing preventing the building from being occupied and used by the public.
The library doors will be open Oct. 26 and a grand opening ceremony is planned for early November. McGuire said patrons should appreciate the changes at the new facility.
“The space for one,” she said, describing the changes awaiting at the new building. “The computer lab is larger and we have a much larger genealogy area.
“We have more computers. Nobody will have to wait on a computer,” she said, explaining the library staff may be able to lift the previous one-hour limit for computer users.
The library has added 700 to 800 new books during the last year, McGuire said, and those new selections will be placed near the new library’s entrance to allow better access to those selections. Once the new facility is open, she said staff members will focus on providing additional programs and speakers for older adults, including a flu-shot clinic.
Special efforts are also being made to reach teens and other young people, McGuire said, with a special section of the library stocked with books and magazines of interest, as well as a television and games.
Looking around at the new library, McGuire said the new facility should be an excellent addition to the community.
“We’ve always had a good library, but this is really something,” she said.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.
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