The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Library reopening showcases new facelift
By Alana West, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: February 7, 2008
The Manchester District Library Board welcomed several guests to its grand reopening celebration Jan. 26.
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Complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, music, volunteer recognition and tours of the newly renovated library, the ceremony officially marked the completion of a several month-long construction project.
Though the library remained open during its three-month renovation, Library Director Heather Sturm credits the efforts of architects, construction workers, library staff, board members and 24 volunteers, for minimizing any inconveniences to library patrons.
"We had minimal closures. That was one of our goals," she said.
During the renovations, which included new carpeting, restructuring of the mezzanine level as well as moving 30,000 books, movies and CDs, the library was only closed for five days.
Board President Richard Spring said that costs had come in slightly below the $150,000 set aside for the improvements.
Osler and Associates, an architectural firm based in Ann Arbor, designed the project with R.W. Mercer of Jackson completing the general construction. "They recognized our need to stay within that number and they came in a little under budget," Spring said.
Much of the renovation occurred on the library's second floor, where an elevator installed last year made the mezzanine level handicap-accessible.
New construction turned a series of small rooms — formerly offices and storage space for historical materials — into a wider area for books, a teen space and a place for viewing historical documents.
Board Trustee Jane Thornton said Sturm deserved a lot of appreciation for her work in planning the new library space.
Sturm said she was pleased with the colors of the children's area, which includes new, fairy tale-like stuffed animals from Ikea, and brightly colored chairs and carpet.
"It distinguishes the kid's area from the adult area, using fun colors. It's a special place to go, and it really stands out," she said.
Sturm said that many of the library staff discovered hidden talents while building the furniture in order to keep costs down.
"We would not have been able to open for about two weeks if we hadn't had the help of our volunteers," she said.
Thornton said she really enjoyed how much the library had changed during her years as a board member. During her first term in 2000, the library was still in its former home on Main Street.
"Pat (Vailliencourt) and I were just talking about how years ago, we were standing on that stair and saying, 'Wouldn't this make a beautiful library?'" Thornton said. "Everybody has been so supportive."
Alana West is a freelance reporter for The Manchester Enterprise. She can be reached at mmagwest@sbcglobal.net
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