Louisa — Lawrence County’s new library is more than a repository for books. It’s a community center, a center for education and economic development, “something everybody in the community will use,” said State Librarian Wayne Onkst.
Onkst was in Louisa on Tuesday for the grand opening of the $3.2 million library.
At 12,600 square feet, the brick and stone building at 102 W. Main St. just about doubles the space the library had previously.
In addition to spacious, well-lighted stacks and reading areas, the library has a computer lab set behind plate-glass windows for an open effect, and a genealogy room twice the size of the old one.
“We needed more space for genealogy, for children and for teenagers,” said Regina Tackett, library board president.
To bring in teens, a section of the library is stocked with appropriate books and magazines and a television set and games.
The library opened for use last month and so far has been drawing in new patrons, Tackett said. “I see people I’ve never seen here before.”
The new building has one reminder of the old one — a mural by native Lawrence County artist Rebecca Wallace showing the history of libraries in the county from books toted on pack horses to bookmobiles to modern buildings.
The building was financed through state appropriations and a local library tax.
It will be a credit to the county and to eastern Kentucky, said state Rep. Rocky Adkins, who attended the ceremony. “Look at us 25 years ago and look at us today. We’ve come a long way,” he said.
Children and teens who use the library will learn the internet is no substitute for books, and that books still remain the most credible source of information, Director Mary McGuire said.
Hard times magnify the importance of libraries, Onkst said. Patrons use them for job searches, resume writing, GED study and community activities, he said.
“I don’t think there has been a time when libraries have been more important.”
MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2652.
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