27 Sep Catlettsburg library getting a makeover
After nearly 30 years, the Catlettsburg Branch of the Boyd County Public Library is getting a makeover.
The branch, at 2704 Louisa St., will close to the public on Sept. 29, and plans call for it to reopen after the first of the year.
“First, the building needs a new roof. Second, the restrooms need to be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant and just easier to get into,” said BCPL Director Debbie Cosper. “Third, electrical, lighting and ductwork need to be updated. And finally, it needs sprucing up with new paint, carpet and furniture.”
The roof replacement and bathroom renovations require the building to be closed.
The interior changes might be what the public will notice the most. By moving the ductwork, there will be more height in the middle of the building. Repositioning the restrooms will allow for a larger meeting room, something the branch has lacked. There will be a new front desk, complete with book drop, positioned on the other side of the room so staff can greet people when they come in. A small children’s space is planned, as is office and work space for staff. Comfortable seating and study spaces are also part of the project.
The 2,400-square foot Catlettsburg branch is a former dress shop. It opened in September 1983, with 3,000 books on its shelves. Today, it has a total of 12,938 items.
TSHD Architects of Ashland drew up the plans and is overseeing the remodel. KPC Architectural Products of Lexington will be doing the public space layout, including furniture, the new circulation desk and shelving.
The project is estimated to cost around $230,000 for the physical remodel and another $70,000 for interior furnishings. The funds have been in the library’s capital outlay budget for about 3 years. The BCPL Board of Trustees is expected to select a contractor at its Sept. 19 meeting.
This is the first time BCPL has put “green” specifications in its request for bids, which means the contractor will be encouraged to recycle as much of the material it removes from the building as possible and that energy-efficient equipment, fixtures and other materials are used.