COLUMBIANA Reading programs are a go despite construction

The public library will continue its usual activities this summer.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
COLUMBIANA -- Amid a flurry of construction activity, the Columbiana Public Library staff is preparing to launch summer reading programs.
Carol Cobbs, library director, said the construction is to be completed in July. Workers are framing some portions of the building while working on drywall and painting in others.
The construction might make logistics for summer reading programs a bit of a challenge, especially where parking is concerned, Cobbs said. The library staff intends to conduct the programs as usual, however, with the focus this year on Ohio's bicentennial.
Buckeye 200 is the name of the young adult program that will take place June 9 to July 28. Readers in fifth through 12th grades can earn prizes such as miniature golf and go-cart passes and gift certificates for music and video stores.
The theme for both children and adult programs is Celebrate Ohio.
Preschool through fourth-graders participate in the children's program, with a variety of prizes awarded for their reading efforts. The children's program will be June 18 to July 30. Children who attend a craft program June 11, however, can get a head start on the reading program on that date.
The adult program will be June 16 to Aug. 2. For each book adults read, they put their names in a drawing box. The library staff periodically draws names from the box for prizes such as a dinner for two, a vehicle oil change and lube, or a round of golf.
Under construction
Construction of the library's $1 million addition is nearing completion. Cobbs said the construction has mostly inconvenienced patrons because of a lack of parking. Four houses were recently torn down to create more parking space and a landscaped, unobstructed view of the library from Salem Street.
The parking area should be ready for use in about a month, she said.
Cobbs said library staff and patrons are excited to see work progressing. The construction began in October 2002.
The biggest challenge will be the logistics of laying new carpeting. That involves figuring out the best way to move thousands of books, she said.
Once construction is completed, the staff will then have the challenge of filling the new spaces.
Jim Santini Builders Inc. of Washingtonville is the general contractor.
The addition will total 6,588 square feet, with adult and children's areas and the community room to be expanded. Most of the addition will be to the east side of the library, Cobbs said.
Voters approved an issue in May 2001 that will allow the library to borrow $1 million through the sale of bonds for the project.
tullis@vindy.com