An architect is drawing plans for the Clay County Public Library expansion project.
The plans for the library include a 3,000 square foot expansion, which will be used to expand the children’s space and create more space for community events. Library Director Alecia Burns said the children’s area will be named after former assistant librarian Ruth Hayes.
“She loved helping with the kids and donating her money, and just making sure that they had a good time,” Burns said. “Such a kind woman. And so, with her life insurance money, she made sure that part of that was donated back to the library building find so that we could add on for it.”
Groundbreaking on the new library is set for this summer.
In addition to the $1.7-million grant, Burns said former director Judith Cutright helped add other donations to the building fund. The library will also add eleven new computers and several meeting rooms.
Burns said the library should continue to run as normal when construction begins.
“As far as the building, the back parking lot will be marked off for a little while,” Burns said. “But with them bringing everything in, we’ll make sure the library stays open as long as we can.”
Burns said any closures to the library will be short.
“What we’re projecting now, there might be a week where like during COVID, where you can just call and let us know what kind of books you want, and we’ll make sure we can meet you at the door and get those to you safely,” Burns said.
Burns said the grant money needs to be spent by December, 2026, and she expects completion before then.
