Library to reopen on Jan. 23

Members of the library building committee and Piedmont Regional Library staff, along with city manager Pete Pyrzenski and recreation department director Scott Rodgers walked through the nearly-completed structure Thursday morning as workers labored inside to prepare for the laying of carpet and worked outside pouring concrete for sidewalks.

Benning Construction project manager Bryan Steed said the biggest challenge was “having to fit in the existing space and make it feel larger.”

To do that, he said, the ceilings in the existing parts were raised slightly, three windows were added on the Broad Street side and a large window was cut into the wall on the south end. Large windows in the new section, including the two “towers” add to the feel of spaciousness.

“The Architects did a good job seamlessly transitioning the new into the old,” he commented.

When patrons return to the library on Jan. 23, they’ll find striking differences in both the appearance and the functionality, library director Miguel Vicente pointed out.

The new facility will feature a children’s library more than doubled in size, a new “young adult” area, self-checkout, a fax machine, a new and larger Heritage Room/genealogy section, more natural light, 20 computers (it currently has 10) available to the public, three new touch-screen children’s computers, new rest rooms, and even an area for drinking coffee.

The library will also offer more materials, including a lot of new best-sellers, according to Vicente. In the children’s section, the library will carry a special collection of books based on the new Georgia Common Core Curriculum for grades K-5. Ninety percent of the shelving will be brand new.

Patrons will enter the library by turning off Broad Street onto Elizabeth Street, and they’ll find the “front” of the building facing the back of the lot. They’ll see a garden area in the front yard.

A grand opening ceremony is planned for Saturday, Feb. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. that will feature an opening ceremony, music, comments from officials, refreshments, door prizes and an appearance from magician Keith Karnock.

“We know a lot of people who don’t usually come to the library will come that day to see what is going on,” Vicente said. “We will have all of our staff present to make library cards and answer questions.”
Hours will be 10-6 Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 10-8 on Thursdays; 10-5 on Fridays and 10-4 on Saturdays.