B
PRESQUE ISLE — Renovations at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library are progressing nicely, according to Librarian Sonja Plummer-Morgan.
The month of March saw interior work being completed at a fever pitch, with crews working floor to ceiling to get the interior work completed and books back on the shelves.
“Early in March work was completed on the main floor, with the crew working to create a better space for children. While workers renovated the children’s section, patrons checked out children’s books using the adult circulation desk. The Teen Center was turned over to children and families for story hours and served as a comfortable space for them,” said Plummer-Morgan.
Work completed on the main floor recently included the installation of a new ceiling.
Plummer-Morgan said teamwork has made the transition an easy one.
“Computer tables and data wires were delivered and installation was made possible thanks to the folks at Northwoods Communications. Our shipment from Green Design Furniture arrived. And the folks from Parker Bailey placed more fiction back onto the shelves,” she said.
“The folks with H.E. Callahan continued to make progress in the children’s section in recent weeks as well,” said Plummer-Morgan, noting the majority of the interior construction work has now been completed.
Plummer-Morgan said she, her staff and the library board of trustees appreciate the public’s patience over the past year, as the library underwent the latest upgrades.
“We’re overwhelmed with the community’s patience and encouragement. We want to thank our patrons/visitors for all the warm smiles and words of encouragement. It does make a difference,” said Plummer-Morgan.
Plans are under way by the trustees and the building committee for a dedication ceremony, with specifics of that event to be announced at a later date.
Plummer-Morgan said Architect Nat Cram from Scott Simons Architects visited the library about a week ago to inspect the work and meet with the building committee. The work met Cram’s approval.
“We got an A-plus,” she said.
Plummer-Morgan shared even more good news on the library’s Facebook page about a week ago.
“I’m pleased to report that an application submitted to the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation to replace an aging carpet in the storytime room — which was not part of the new construction — has been funded for the full $5,000. Thank you to the STK Foundation for making that possible,” said Plummer-Morgan.
