County library improvements pending further information

By Bob Stuart

Published: May 28, 2008

VERONA — Augusta County Supervisors cited difficult economic times Wednesday night in a split 3-3 vote that postponed architectural work on the next phase of a renovation at the Augusta County Public Library in Fishersville.
Middle River Supervisor Gerald Garber said he would like to see more information from the library about the second phase of the renovation before voting to authorize $161,000 in architectural and engineering work on the project’s design.
The second phase of renovation would include additional stack areas for books in the library’s main area, a new ADA-accessible front entrance next to U.S. 250, upgraded HVAC equipment, lighting and restrooms and a new circulation desk.
But the estimated $2.5 million pricetag of the renovation has some supervisors expressing caution. There is only about $670,000 in capital money available for the project.
North River Supervisor Larry Howdyshell said people “are struggling and tightening their belts” in the current economy.
He said it might be more prudent to look at supplying library services to more remote areas of Augusta County than a continued expansion of the main Fishersville library.
Pastures Supervisor Tracy Pyles said the county has many considerations at this point, including a new recreation center and emergency service equipment and facility needs.
“Some of these things we have not done the first lick on,” Pyles said.
Pyles said even if the architecture work was done, funding the library project would not be certain.
The first phase of the library renovation has been a success.
The new children’s wing at the Augusta County Public Library opened four months ago.
In the wing, kids can learn about reading, math and the world on early literacy computers while their mothers meet nearby.
And just next door, there is a young adults area complete with computers and books.
Opened in February, the children’s wing includes about 4,000 square feet of new library space.
Debbie Sweeney, the library’s assistant director, said the county library has become an increasingly important hub for county residents.
“People come here for meetings and come here because they can find people,” Sweeney said.
She said the library also offers computer and Internet training and the use of a Notary Public.
Sweeney said the second phase of work would not be finished for about 18 months, even if there were no glitches like Wednesday night’s.
Wayne District Supervisor Wendell Coleman, who represents Fishersville, said during Tuesday’s supervisors briefing that the library is a countywide facility that supports branches and library stations.
But Coleman also said the library’s renovation “is one of a number of things that need to be done.”
He included the county recreation center and the move of Augusta County School offices to Verona on the list.