Library books its ‘Grand Re-opening’

By Burton Cole

FALMOUTH — When the new Pendleton County Public Library first opened its doors a dozen years ago, library officials already were prepping for changes.

“At the time, we knew there would be a need for renovations,” Library Director Kelly Zumwalt said. “We knew we’d need to adapt to the needs and wishes of the community.”

The library, 801 Robbins Ave., will host a grand reopening 1 to 4 p.m. April 6 to show off its newest features: a MakerSpace room that includes sewing, engraving and 3D imaging; a Teen Area for socializing and gaming; private and quiet study rooms; an additional conference room; and books front and center instead of tucked off to the sides.

The library closed Oct. 9 to in-person visits. Zumwalt said she hopes the library actually will reopen to visitors before April 6, but if not, that’s the date, just shy of six months’ worth of work.

The drive-through has remained open throughout the renovations.

The construction portion of renovations cost about $330,000 she said, and another $25,000 to $30,000 was invested in equipment, primarily for the MakerSpace.

MAKERSPACE

The centerpiece of the renovations is the MakerSpace.

“A lot of our community members were leaving our community and going north to other facilities to use this,” Zumwalt said.

Since the mission of the library is to meet community needs, the center for community creativity was necessary, she said.

“The main purpose is the community comes in and they are trained on how to use the equipment,” Zumwalt said.

From there, imaginations soar.

Equipment includes 3D printers, along with two-tone plastic boats created by the printers to be given away during the open house.

A sublimation printer with heat press will allow a person to do things like imprint photos and logos on anything from mouse pads to cups. Starter supplies were donated by Trinity Southern Baptist Church, Zumwalt said.

A Cricut is good for cutting out shapes on vinyl. Engravers can put designs on metals, woods and acrylics.

“We’ll engrave tiles as souvenirs at the grand re-opening,” she said.

There’s a large printer for posters and a laminator.

For crafters, sewing machines, a serger and an embroidery machine, with a colorful array of thread ready for demonstrations.

And, since it’s an election year, library users can make their own campaign buttons.

READY TO ROLL

The library is closed today for staff development.

After today, drive-through services continue, including checking out items, faxes, copies, lamination and notary, plus appointments can be made for passports or for technology or genealogy help.

But on April 6, if not before, the renovated library will reopen its doors.

“We’re pretty excited,” Zumwalt said. “We’re done talking to each other. We’re ready to get the community back.”