The newly constructed Kyle Public Library on Scott Street is expected to open later this spring. The 20,000-square-foot structure boasts 50 computer stations, a children’s play area and a special collections room. (Photo by Brenda Stewart)
by KIM HILSENBECK
At the newly completed Kyle Public Library on Scott Street, rows of empty shelves await being filled. Inside the 20,000-square-foot building with high ceilings, it’s as quiet as it will ever be; no patrons, no computers and no furniture.
Connie Brooks, the library director, said she expects the new library to officially open later this spring.
“I think when visitors take that first step in the door, they will be thrilled,” she said.
At the new library, residents will have access to 50 computer stations – 30 more than now, including two just for children – as well as public meeting rooms, a quiet reading room, and an expanded selection of information to check out. There will also be a special collections room for historical books and reference materials.
Programs already offered by the library will continue, such as job training, language classes, tax preparation and more, with additional space and resources.
The lobby, separated from the main area by glass doors, will offer a place for local residents to meet and talk without disturbing other library patrons while avoiding the heat, cold or inclement weather.
The $3.5 million building was more than the original $3.2 million budget approved by Kyle’s City Council. Yet Brooks said the city got excellent value for its money since it was built during a recession when construction firms scramble to win business.
With other city services needing funding, including the police department and road improvements, Mayor Lucy Johnson thinks the library went to the top of the list because of public support, but also because of the services provided to city residents.
“The library is where people have access to computers, which allows them to search for jobs, get job training, take adult education classes and more,” Johnson said. “It’s the most-used city building.”
Brooks said the library also receives private and corporate donations, as well as profits from the Library Thrift Shop, which brought in $34,000 last year. A sale of engraved bricks that will be placed near the building entrance has raised $13,000 so far.
The Burdine Johnson Foundation recently donated $200,000 for new collection items, including books, ebooks, and audiobooks.
“We saw the library had a real need and we wanted to help,” said Bill Johnson, the foundation president.
With a staff of seven, Brooks said the library could not function without its volunteers. She also credited the Friends of the Library for its generous support.
But with the new building will also come some changes to library policies and internal procedures.
“We’re growing up,” Brooks said. “Some of our policies were never written down. Others need to be updated.”
One change Brooks noted was the community room usage. “There may be a rental fee and we’re exploring a new reservation system.” There will also be changes to the policy regarding library patron behavior.
The changes do not include expanded hours or changes in library late fees, which are capped at $10.
Library staff will move into the new facility once the furniture arrives. Then comes the big move, which Brooks said will give them an opportunity to weed through the current collection and either recycle or donate old collection items.
“We don’t get much of a chance to get rid of older items,” Brooks said, “because we must have one collection item for each resident served to be accredited. We needed every piece to meet that target (about 35,000).” The designation helps the library receive about $30,000 in additional funding, though Brooks noted state money has significantly decreased in recent years.
The current library opened in 1962, in large part with a then-anonymous donation from Burdine Johnson, Bill Johnson’s mother.
“Some of the books are so old, they still say ‘when we land on the moon,’ ” Brooks said.
