Michael Limer, Director of the Guernsey County District Public Library, took Byesville Rotarians on a virtual tour of the remolded Byesville Library. Limer stated that he began by trying to freshen up the library. It was dark, lacked windows, and had unused space. During the planning stages, he and the library board decided to do a complete renovation.
A first major problem that needed solved first. A survey indicated that the current building was 10 feet over the property line. Limer worked with Byesville officials and the Port Authority to solve this problem. The property, owned by Byesville, was transferred to the Port Authority which then transferred it to the library.
Work began to renovate the library building. Plans were drawn up and bids solicited in September 2022. Stanley Miller was awarded the project. Construction began in January 2023, when the library building closed, and staff began preparing for construction. The library continued to supply services to Byesville by scheduling the bookmobile in Byesville twice a month.
Limer used architect specs and drawings to present a virtual tour. The library roof will be raised and more windows added to give the library more natural light. The wall between the main area of the library and the little used back room will be removed and replaced with glass panels. The room will become the children’s area of the library and be used for children’s programing.
The main area will be furnished with computers and furniture that invites people to stop and spend time reading. At the rear of the main area, a small meeting and a small staff lounge and workroom will be constructed.
And best of all, a drive- up service window will be added. Library users can request materials from each of the Guernsey County library branches and any of the 98 libraries that are members of the SEO (Serving Every Ohioan) Service Center Consortium. The materials will be delivered to the Byesville Library and can be picked up or returned via the service window.
The Byesville Library will hold a grand opening on Friday, December 8 at 10:00am.
Connect with #ByesvilleRotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. Join us for a meeting—most club meetings are live streamed to Facebook and Zoomed. Watch the Byesville Rotary Facebook page for details.
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