Jasper Library reopens after extensive renovations

Jasper resident Jim Dittmer was in the library for the first time in many years just to check out the renovations. He said he was impressed by the new layout and its organization and looked forward to visiting more often.

The Jasper Public Library doors were wide open today at 8:50 as library employees finished last minute preparations to reopen after a nearly month long closure.

The wide open doors weren’t just to let patrons know they were open, but to vent heat from an overactive HVAC system that turned the library into a sauna.

Library Director Rita Douthitt was sweating through the morning as she assisted in checking out patrons that were largely impressed with the new expansiveness of the building.

Douthitt stated the improvements were much-needed but only temporary. “They’ll last but this is a temporary solution until the board makes a decision on what they are going to do for the future,” she said. “It was a good step in the right direction because everything we purchased in the way of shelving, furniture and equipment can be moved. It wasn’t a waste of money.”

The library board has shown some interest in the City of Jasper’s potential purchase of the Jasper Country Club property. The Jasper Redevelopment Commission will meet next week and likely discuss financing options for the purchase.

The library is open its normal hours.

Beginning on Monday Jan. 7, the library is having a book sale until the first Friday in February. The majority of the books are adult fiction and nonfiction priced at 50 cents.