The Clay County Library will reopen September 14 after a project that added some 2,800 square feet.
Director of Library Services Alecia Burns said the construction team is currently cleaning the site and ensuring all updates are up to par before the public returns.
“I would say it’s one of the most important resources,” Burns said. “We are able to help people with small things like getting our books to large things like helping them get on computers and again with the telehealth rooms being able to access their doctors and being able to help them get onto the technology that they might not have available at home.”
Burns said the renovation included a total overhaul of the parking lots and the installation of a concrete pad featuring a basketball court for local teens and adults. Burns said the interior was updated with new paint and modern finishes, though the original exterior brick was preserved to maintain the feel of the old building.
“It 100 percent everything is different,” Burns said. “So there’s nothing except for the brick that is left that we didn’t touch and update.”
Burns said the library increased its capacity by adding eight additional computers and four laptops that can be checked out or used for community classes. Burns said the facility now features two dedicated telehealth rooms equipped with tablets to allow residents to consult with healthcare providers virtually without traveling long distances.
“We also added four laptops that we will be able to check out in the need if people need those, but also be able to teach classes for people who need help learning stuff on the internet or Excel or anything, those programs like that so that we can offer different stuff to the community that way,” Burns said.
Burns said the project remained on schedule and within the necessary budget range throughout the construction process. Burns said the improvements were funded through the TNECD Connected Community Facilities and Broadband Ready Communities program.
“Everything went well,” Burns said. “Mid-State has done an amazing job just keeping us informed and if anything changed or anything like that, they had talked to us about it, but everything that we wanted when we sat down originally has been implemented and we’ve got to add on some things too, so it’s been really great.”
Burns said the building now features handicap-accessible bathrooms and parking on both sides of the facility. Burns said the library is also installing push-button automated doors to ensure the entire building meets ADA accessibility standards.
“Probably that it’s it was just much needed, that the work that our old librarian had put into it as far as getting the building fund and Miss Ruth Hayes who had donated part of her life insurance, that the things that they wanted done with the new library that they can see that it was utilized and it will be a great new addition for the community,” Burns said.
The library will open to the public at 8:30am on September 14, followed by a 6:00pm grand opening event featuring refreshments, giveaways, and more.
