For present and future generations, Monday, October 7, 2024, will be remembered as the day the Todd County Public Library first opened its doors to the public at 507 South Main Street in Elkton, Kentucky.
The very first visitor to the new library on Monday was Ms. Jean Roper Odum, a retired Todd County educator, who was ecstatic to be able to tour the completed structure on its first day of operation. Frank McReynolds, Elkton city council member, also enjoyed touring the facility and viewing its many amenities. The opening day, one that had been anticipated for decades by so many, saw the citizens of Todd County and the area enter into a facility that most visitors stood in awe of as they toured the 12,900 square-foot structure that includes so many amazing features – two lighted display cases in the vestibule, a spacious lobby, men’s and ladies’ restrooms, a mom’s room, a family restroom, a meeting room that accommodates 200 people standing, a teen room, an archive room, a large adult book area lined with five long rows of shelving and books, a children’s library area, an activity room for children that contains a puppet area, a large computer room, a quiet reading room, a large staff room, office areas, a staff kitchen area, storage areas, and several other amenities.
Words heard throughout the day included “wow,” “magnificent,” “amazing,” “incredible,” and “breathtaking.” One young visitor stated he would give the library a “10 out of 10.” Others who visited were also amazed at the space and the beauty of the building itself. One area of particular interest was the large community meeting room that accommodates 200 people standing, 150 seated, and 75 people seated at tables with chairs. Restrooms at the front obviously include ADA compliance features as well as hand blowers to eliminate paper waste. Patrons will also note the book drop is easily accessible for those returning books at the front of the building, and patrons will also appreciate the lighted display cases on both sides of the vestibule. The display cases, which include glass shelves along with electrical outlets on one side, currently feature items focused on the history of Todd County, writers of Todd County or with Todd County connections, past and present supporters of the library, and other items of school and county memorabilia. The HD television in one of the cases also scrolls 115 pictures that were taken throughout the construction process.
One very interesting conversation on Monday occurred with Kyle DeBerry, owner of Horizon Drone Solutions. Kyle, who completed drone pictures of the library following its construction and during the move from the “old” library to the new structure, shared that as a youngster “going to the library” was a treat he and his younger brother loved dearly. He stated when he was told they could chug to the library that it was like receiving a special treat since their “special treats” had to be inexpensive ones. Kyle was one of the first patrons to arrive on Monday, and one of his first stops was at the circulation desk so that he could receive a new library card. Again, what was such a “special treat” for Kyle on Monday was that one of his drone pictures of the new library is now the face of the new library card. That indeed is such a special reminder to a young man whose love for a library has been nurtured from a young age.
As true of “soft openings,” glitches with the building and with all equipment and furniture not being in place was obvious. Quite a few items have been ordered, and those items will trickle in during the next few weeks. A rather humorous story is that CLW has been in the building quite often during its construction. Late last night after a trip to the restroom, CLW had to dry her hands. Looking around for paper towels, CLW found none. After scanning the restroom for several minutes, CLW finally discovered an electric hand dryer that requires the user to place her hands inside this little wall accessory. Obviously, a chuckle occurred since CLW was not accustomed to a ‘new kind’ of electric hand dryer. (The men’s restroom also has that luxury.)
The public is reminded the new hours of operation are also expanded as patrons will have access to the library from 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM on Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM on Friday, and from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Saturday. Another plus of the new library is the spacious amount of parking spaces at the front and on the east side of the building as well as at the back of the building. Two steel “horse” rings are also provided at the back of the building to accommodate Amish patrons who might need them. Patrons are also asked to sign a registry at the front so the number of patrons of the building can be documented during its first few weeks of operation. At the end of its first day on Monday, 208 people had walked through the doors of the new library. That indeed serves as a reminder of the importance of the library to those from Todd County and for the many other folks who use its services.
~ Article by Carolyn L. Wells
October 9, 2024
