Coming Out Party
Trimble
County cuts ribbon
on newly built public library
Large
crowd attends
grand opening event in Bedford
By
Roberta Sell
Contributing Writer
BEDFORD, Ky. (October 2011) – The rain did nothing
to dampen the mood at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly opened
Trimble County Public Library. The doors opened at 10 a.m. on Saturday,
Sept. 24, to a large crowd of local residents, community supporters
and political figures.
Library board president Steve Tharp began the ceremony by acknowledging
the library staff and other board members. He spoke of the history of
the project, saying, “It is time to turn the page and start a new
chapter.”
Tharp mentioned the contributions made by Rural Development. “Preserving
our history and our heritage is important to Trimble County.”
The representative from Rural Development, Ernest Scrubs, noted that
the library was among the first of President Barack Obama’s Library
Initiative to restore community libraries.
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Photos
by Roberta Sell Trimble
County Public Librar |
The new library sits on a site that previously was once
a century-old tobacco barn.
Other guest speakers at the event included State Sen. Ernie Harris,
State Rep. Rick Rand and former Trimble County Judge-Executive Jack
Couch.
Rand talked of the essential nature of local libraries, saying “The
library is such an important part of our community – where
my children learned to read – and all of the people who work
here are special people.”
Couch discussed the positive attributes of the project and pointed out
the various aspects that make it such a monumental investment. “The
greater service will be in the years to come. Bring your children, bring
your grandchildren.”
Entertainment was provided by the Barefoot Best Friends, a talented
group of young people from Oldham County area playing Celtic and bluegrass
music with a cello, violins and a banjo.
Members of the library’s Teen Advisory Group also attended. This
is a relatively new group available to patrons. They work to incorporate
suggestions and ideas for books to bring into the library that will
interest teen readers. They provide book reviews and periodic game nights
to encourage patronage.
Not only does the new library house all that one would expect, it now
boasts features such as several new computers, a children’s library
and a Kentucky resource room that provided pictures and information
concerning local history. There is a great deal of Trimble County itself
incorporated within the library. The original wooden beams that once
upheld the roof of the old tobacco barn now grace the library ceiling
above the checkout counter. A large painting of a quilt, completed by
local artist Brandy DeAngelino, hangs above the entry to the Kentucky
resource room. All of the artwork that hangs upon the walls, save one
piece, was created by local artists.
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Photos by Roberta Sell The
inside of the new library features |
The library staff had a hand in selecting the details
that went into the arch over the entry into the children’s library.
Library staff member Summer Hernandez said, “It’s been amazing,
and you don’t realize what all goes into it.”
She spoke of the “amazing group of women” that she works with,
and how the new building showcases many “personal touches”
that represent the community. Library staff member Libby Powell said,
“The library is the community. The patrons are important.”
Among the throng of visitors on Saturday were two local patrons, Ruth
Ann Webb and Allie Wright. They shared how they were impressed by the
beauty of the new building and admired the cozy reading space with a
fireplace as well as an outdoor seating area. They also commented on
their appreciation of the way the Trimble County history has been honored.
Mona Lucas is now in charge of the technology at the library and said
she “would love for everyone to come to the library.”
Another member of the staff, Betsy Tweedy, said the library will provide
the “ability to give more to our users,” with more space and
more technology. Newly hired library director Lisa Wegner arrived in
Trimble County three weeks ago and said she has been immersed in the
library moving process. “We are excited to be open and seeing everyone
enjoying the library,” she said. She also commented on how supportive
the community has been.
• For more information, visit the library’s website at: www.youseemore/trimble.com.