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Covington Library Reopening Draws 550 People!
After being closed for six months, the Covington Library received a very warm “welcome
back” from the community. More 550 residents turned out to celebrate
the $6.45 million expansion and renovation project on Saturday, March 8.
The Kentlake Jazz Ensemble entertained the crowd as people gathered outside
the library for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. KCLS Director Bill Ptacek facilitated
the program, expressing his excitement for the 7,700 square foot expansion
project.
The library now features a spacious “great room” with a fireplace, lounge seating and study tables. Both the Children’s area and Teen Zone were enhanced and there is wireless coverage throughout the library, a cyber bar for laptop users, community meeting rooms and even vending machines.
“This is the community’s living room,” Ptacek said. “It was well worth the wait.”
The project was postponed for several years due to the passage of Initiative
747, which limited library system income. Thanks to the passage of the $172
million capital bond in 2004, there was once again funding for the project.
KCLS Board Member LeRoy McCullough said the library was designed for the existing community, as well as for the next generation.
“Today we are talking about the new model (for libraries),” McCullough
said. “This library is not afraid to have video games for teens.”
Following the ribbon cutting, people toured the library and enjoyed refreshments
generously provided by the Friends of the Covington Library and local businesses.
Radio Disney provided entertainment for children as did stilt-walkers and costumed
characters such as Dewey & Sketch. The celebration continued throughout
the afternoon, with a variety of musical performances including Show Brazil.
