Jasper Library renovations on schedule

The Jasper Library Board met for their monthly meeting Thursday night and got an update from Library Director Rita Douthitt on the Jasper Library renovation project.

The library renovations began on Wednesday, November 21. The goal is to improve the space problems at the library and the renovation project was approved by the Library Board earlier this year as a way to deal with that.

The Library Board acquired the Gramelspacher building across Main Street from the library to use as an overflow and have moved offices and other operations there to help create additional space in the main library.

Douthitt gave an update on where the renovations stand at this point. “We’re moving along – we’ve started re-shelving the children’s and genealogy, and we’re waiting for furniture and waiting for them to get the shelving up.”

Douthitt says that the renovation work is about 60% complete and has gone quicker than she thought, but the more difficult work will be putting all of the books back on the shelves.

“I really don’t think we’re going to make it before Christmas because we’ve got to get the furniture all rearranged,” Douthitt explained, “We’ve got to get all of the computers back up and running, we’ve got to put up signage, as well as get all of the materials back on the shelves.”

Also in the meeting last night, both the Contractual and Jasper Boards were introduced to the new website. The address is: http://www.jdcpl.lib.in.us/.

The new website contains many of the same services that were previously found only inside of the library.