Construction is currently underway on the $7.9 million Calloway County Public Library expansion and renovation project, as documented in recent social media posts.
Approved in August 2019 amid much public debate, the expansion will more than double the size of the 12,078-square-foot library for a total of 32,832 square feet. About two-thirds of that space will be devoted to new features like a children's area, three community rooms, a makerspace and a teen room. A mechanical basement will also be added to the structure.
Mignon Reed, director of the library, said she’s most excited about having more space for the community, especially for children.
“We had already started increasing our programming for adults and children with book clubs and community readings and crafting,” Mignon said. “But we’re going to be creating a teen room, and we’re really excited about that because we haven’t had a designated teen room.”
Replacing the existing young adult section, the teen room will enable that demographic to pick out relevant books and read them, work on computers, do their homework and utilize gaming stations. The new children’s area will grow approximately three times larger to encompass more interactive elements.
Each of the three community rooms will contain kitchenettes. One of the rooms will double as the makerspace, which will accommodate the library’s quilters group, sewing, cooking and more.
Portions of the existing building will be converted into six study rooms and a quiet reading room. The bathrooms will also be upgraded, but the legacy exterior won’t be altered. A covered dropoff area and drive-through window will provide alternative means for patrons to return items beyond the current curbside service.
Construction is projected to be completed by December. In the meantime, patrons can enter the parking lot via a marked driveway on Main Street and enter the building via the double doors on the west side next to the Higgins House. The book drop has been relocated to the back corner of the building.
The library is open Monday through Saturday for in-person visits and curbside services.
