COLUMBIANA Library officials eager for addition

Some 10,800 patrons visited the library in February.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
COLUMBIANA -- Library officials aren't certain when construction of a $1 million addition will begin, but they said it can't be too soon.
Carol Cobbs, director of the Columbiana Public Library, said the patrons and staff are anticipating the addition.
"It's very exciting," she said. "We are showing strong growth, and the community is using our materials and our services."
Cobbs said library statistics and logistics show the additional space is not only desired, but needed.
By the numbers: In February, 19,252 items were circulated, and average circulation figures over the last 12 months show patrons are circulating about 1,200 more items per month than in the previous year.
In the 23 days the library was open in February, patrons made 10,800 visits, and the staff issued 100 library cards to new patrons.
Total circulation in 2001 was 205,554, up from 174,168 in 2000. In 2001, 12,921 people had library cards, compared with 11,859 in 2000.
Cobbs said Ziska Architects of Cleveland are working on the design for the one-story addition on the east side of the library.
Levy: Voters approved a levy in May 2001 that will generate $1 million through the sale of bonds.
Architects aren't yet certain when the project will be advertised for bids, nor when construction will begin.
Cobbs said although original plans called for a 5,000-square-foot facility, library officials are hopeful the architects can come up with a design to provide an additional 1,000 square feet for the same money.
"We certainly need the room," she said. "We could use it now. There is no room to add anymore shelves without compromising space for our patrons in wheelchairs to maneuver.
"We have books and videos in storage because we don't have shelf space for them."
The city planning commission recently approved library officials' request to use space behind 60 West State St. for employee parking. Cobbs said the library will purchase the property.
Additional employee parking will be needed because a drive-up book return will be included in the expansion plans, Cobbs said, and the employee parking area is the best place to put it.