Starting off the New Year with some new activities at the library would be nice. One "new" thing is actually a re-start of an old thing. I am excited about and hopeful for a partnership between the library and our new coffee and snack vendor. The Bru Crue Coffee Bar will open for business on January 4th, filling a void left by our last vendor. The BC folks have a delicious line-up of products ready for sale and will be adding to their offerings as business grows.
Another long-standing issue has been the building just to the north of the library known as the Women's Civic Center. For many years the building sat largely unused and neglected. After the most recent effort to raise funds to restore the house by the Hutchinson Reno Arts and Humanities Council, the building was returned to the Library. With estimates running into the multiple 100's of thousands of dollars to bring the building into a useful state as public space and no takers for moving the building because of its size, the Library has contracted to have it demolished. We had an 8-week period for citizens interested in salvage to remove useful, re-usable items from the building. So next, week there will likely be large machines at the corner of 10th and Main completing the task.
However, the Library salvaged some beautiful woodwork to use as part of a plan for a new "quiet" reading room. Our plan is to re-create a space originally called the "Rayl Reading Room" in the old section of the library. This will be an area for those people who need quiet for concentration and study. A group of staff members came up with the plan in response to concerns expressed by several regular library users. I think it is a great idea and I can't wait to get it started!
As you prepare for the crush of the holiday season, don't forget that the Library can be a great place to stop in for a moment of relaxation. Pick up a new book, download an audiobook to listen to while shopping, or use our free WiFi.
Don't forget! Ask us about the HPL 2010 Project!
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