Morgan County Public Library to undergo renovation | Morgan County Citizen Online
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Morgan County Public Library to undergo renovation Submitted by editor on Thu, 03/18/2010 - 18:22.
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By Katie Davis Staff Writer There are few places in town where you can get a brilliant bargain. For $1, you can get a bag full of books at the Morgan County Public Library's on-going Friends of the Library book sale. You also get much more than that. Each dollar spent goes right back onto the library's shelves – to purchase new titles, magazine subscriptions or computers. The worn, uncataloged, donated or duplicate titles that are sold at the book sale might be old, but they help the library's future. Miriam Baker, manager of the MCPL, hopes someday soon to pack up all the library's books and equipment and move out – so architects and construction workers can begin renovating the 9,500 sq. ft. building. "[The library employees] have spent the last four years doing a wish list to give to the architects," Baker said. "We want to make the library more like [a library patron's] living room, so they're comfortable when they come to use the facility." The building, which was last renovated in 1988, is slated to undergo a nearly $3,000,000 renovation, reflecting the increase in library patronage and the changing ways that citizens use their library. According to Baker, library usage is up 10 percent as patrons use their facility to search and apply for jobs, update their resumés, and complete college coursework. In fiscal year 2009, each week almost 290,000 individuals used public-access computers at public libraries statewide. The planned renovation will add at least 3,000 square feet to the current facility. The library staff's fourpage wish list includes a designated noise-controlled teen area, with television and Wii video game system, a movie wall for a DVD projector, a cancer resource center, and improved bathrooms, seating and parking. "This library is probably going to be most beautiful building in Madison when it's done," Patsy Harris, chair of the Morgan County Friends of the Library said. "It's going to be striking, a place that everyone will be proud to say, "This is our library." The tentative design by the architectural firm Ponder and Ponder includes an atrium with a soaring roof line, rife with sunlight. Ponder and Ponder was selected from four firms and has experience renovating and designing libraries and community centers. The MCPL design is still in the early stages, as well as plans for the move to a temporary location. Jeff Tomlinson, director of the Uncle Remus regional library system, is working with the county to find some space to house the library while the current location is renovated. The most likely proposed location is the current jail, though that is contingent upon the new jail construction. "We're looking at cost – we need something economical and suitable," Tomlinson said. MCPL has been on the Georgia Public Library Construction list for five years; last year there were 37 other libraries awaiting state money for construction. $900,000 of the renovation monies come from SPLOST, with $2 million in State bonds making up the bulk of the expense. According to a press release from the Morgan County Library Board of Trustees, the County Commissioners challenged the library to raise an additional $100,000 for books, audio books, DVDs, and subscriptions. Last November, the Friends of the Library organized a book sale and raised more than $800, unloading approximately 2,000 books at a quarter or 50 cents each. These sales often feature antique books and adult fiction published more than five years ago. Due to state budget cuts, the library has less money to purchase new titles, but with the funds raised by the Friends through book sales and donations, MCPL was able to add 1,298 books, audio books, subscriptions and DVDs to their catalog last year. Tomlinson said the sales really make a difference. "It boosts our ability to buy materials, but it's worth ten times that having the support and visibility in the community. It's good to have active Friends who will advocate and raise funds for the library." There is an on-going book sale across from the circulation desk, though the Friends will organize another big sale before the library moves into the temporary housing. The Morgan County Public Library is always seeking donations of recently published items or classics in good condition, including adult and children's hardcover books, audiobooks, large print books and DVDs. You can become a Friend of the Library by writing a check to the organization for $10 and dropping it off at the library at 1131 East Avenue. Donations are always welcome, and may be tax deductible under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 170 (c) 1.
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Morgan County Public Library to undergo renovation | Morgan County Citizen Online
http://archives.morgancountycitizen.com/?q=node/13274
9/4/13 3:54 PM
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