Published: September 16, 2008 10:44 pm      

Ground broken for library project

Adkins, Blevins present $3.4M check in Lawrence

Louisa — Several shovels scooped soft sand Tuesday morning in downtown Louisa as elected officials and library staff celebrated the groundbreaking for a library addition and renovation to serve the needs of area residents for decades to come.

“This is a first-class project for first-class people,” said State Rep. Rocky Adkins, who also saluted the 36-year career of library director Mary McGuire as well as a library board he described as “good stewards of the taxpayers’ money.”

“When good things happen it takes a lot of good people to make it happen,” Adkins said.

Adkins and state Sen. Walter Blevins presented a $3.4 million check to the Lawrence County Library, noting $2.9 million came from state funds and the remainder was allotted by the Lawrence County Fiscal Court.

McGuire lifted the oversized check above her head for everyone to see.

Blevins, whose brief address was drowned out by a passing freight train, joked, “That’s money going down the railroad tracks to help us build this library.” In addition to personal value, the state senator also cited the importance of quality libraries for corporate representatives looking for a new place to establish a business.

Assistant County Judge-Executive Eddie Michaels said the library and a new courthouse project are “the best steps we’ve made in a long time toward revitalization of downtown.”

Recalling his own hours spent in the library, Michaels said he always considered the Louisa facility to be “the most modern library I could envision,” adding his wish that the library project will result in equally serving future generations.

“I feel blessed to have grown up in this community and I want people in this community to feel blessed for 50 more years,” Michaels said.

Architect Chuck Trimble said visitors to the 13,000-square-foot renovation and addition will find two large meeting rooms that will be available after library hours, a computer area, a space with lower shelves and working space dedicated to children, and another area specifically for teen patrons.

Jimmie Epling of the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives said he looks forward to returning to Louisa in about a year to officially cut the ribbon to open the renovated library.

“This is something you can be proud of giving your children. This is the centerpiece of a new community,” he said.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.