GRAVETTE -- Several visitors were already waiting at Gravette Public Library when the doors first opened Saturday morning, March 23. A library reopening was being held, and folks were eager to see the new look after the service area had been closed for several weeks of remodeling since the first of the year.
A giant "WELCOME" sign greets visitors as soon as they walk through the door, and an attractive new help desk surrounds an area of storage cabinets, bookshelves, and equipment, including a copy machine and book sanitizer. A video monitor on the wall displays messages about library programs and upcoming events. New woodgrain flooring, which complements the brown-tone carpet, has been installed in the lobby, and the area features a new game table and chairs and a cabinet full of games for patrons' use. Just across the room is a book sale area where readers can find bargain books for all ages.
A new smell was still in the air after a new paint job in the lobby, the computer lab, and the staff workspace, including a striking royal blue behind the checkout counter. New artwork has been hung on the walls, including an eye-catching tree design in the new genealogy corner at the back of the computer lab. Furnishings include new chairs for library staff members and a new couch in the children's area.
Library manager Karen Benson and library clerk Artemis Edmisten greeted visitors. Others attending included Thomas Tryon, owner of Passion Project LLC, who did the work on the project, his wife Lizzy, and members of the Friends of the Gravette Public Library and the library advisory board. Teresa Davis, a FOGPL member, served cookies and punch to visitors.
The purpose of the remodeling project was to make the library more accessible to wheelchair users and other patrons with handicaps. It was funded by an Accessible Small and Rural Libraries grant, a donation from McKee Foods, and capital improvement funds from the Gravette Community Foundation. The library has been chosen to receive a second grant through the Libraries Transforming Communities Accessible Small and Rural Communities initiative, which will allow a continuation of the current project and will include a new floor in the KidSPACE area of the library.
The Little Lions storytime for preschool children, which has been discontinued during the remodeling, will resume in April.
Susan Holland/Westside Eagle Observer
Carmen Minyard, of Hiwasse, looks over one of the games in the new game area in the entryway of the Gravette Public Library. A new game table and chairs, along with shelves holding several popular games, provide an ideal place for patrons young and old to come in and spend a while visiting and relaxing with a favorite hobby.
Susan Holland/Westside Eagle Observer
Teresa Davis (right), secretary of the Friends of the Gravette Public Library, serves refreshments to Sue McEvoy and Connie Brown, members of the Bentonvillle/Bella Vista chapter of Altrusa International, at the library reopening Saturday, March 23. The Altrusa chapter has made several donations to the Gravette library in recent years.
Susan Holland/Westside Eagle Observer
A table in the Gravette Public Library displays a number of books on the moon and other planets in the solar system, as well as postcards of the planets and stickers provided by NASA for library patrons. Glasses for viewing the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, were distributed to visitors at the library remodeling on Saturday.
Susan Holland/Westside Eagle Observer
Patrons of the Gravette Public Library use the computers in the computer lab during the library's reopening Saturday, March 23. The computers were moved back in place in the last few days after several weeks located elsewhere during the recent remodeling. The library's new genealogy section can be seen in the background.
Susan Holland/Westside Eagle Observer
A striking piece of wall art featuring a branching tree highlights the genealogy area of the Gravette Public Library. The corner at the back of the computer lab contains a computer, microfilm reader and several books on local history for those interested in learning more about the area's past or researching their family history.
Susan Holland/Westside Eagle Observer
A display case in the Gravette Public Library, maintained by members of the Gravette Historical Museum Commission, contains artifacts and newspaper clippings featuring stories about early Gravette history. Artwork hanging on the wall above the display was painted by the mother of Lereta Duffy, who operated Duffield's in the building from 1969 through the 1990's.