COLUMBIANA Newly remodeled library opens with fresh ideas

Retirees enjoy reading newspapers while sipping coffee from the library cafe.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
COLUMBIANA -- Ever since its reopening after remodeling Sept. 2, the Columbiana Public Library has been a bustling place.
A yearlong construction project was completed in August and ended with the library's being closed the last two weeks so carpet could be put down and bookshelves replaced.
"It was very hectic around here the first few days," said Carol Cobbs, library director. "People were bringing back all the materials they'd had while we were closed, and they were anxious to see everything."
There are a few final touches remaining, such as more office furniture to be added and landscaping to finish in the spring, she said.
Patrons in the children's department are waiting for a tropical fish aquarium to be installed.
A new feature of the library is the after-hours lockers. The library is one of just three in the state to offer the service, and Cobbs said she is interested to see how it is received.
Patrons can call and reserve books or other materials and pick them up when the library is closed. The lockers are built into the outside wall near the front entrance.
Patrons reserve materials and are given a pass code, which they punch in on a security keypad. The pass code opens the locker where the library staff has placed the patron's requested materials.
Popular features
The periodical area is a popular section in the morning as retirees enjoy sipping coffee while reading the morning newspapers.
Other features are a story-time tree and window-box seats in the children's area, and a fireplace in the adult section with the mantle from the fireplace in the old library, which has since been demolished.
The construction also included creation of a new parking lot and demolition of four houses bought by the library board. The site where the houses were is now a landscaped area that provides an unobstructed view of the library from Salem Street.
Construction began last October.
The addition is 6,588 square feet with adult and children's areas.
Voters approved an issue in May 2001 that will allow the library to borrow $1 million through the sale of bonds for the project.