HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Construction at the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library is moving swiftly ahead, as major updates to the elevator and bathrooms began back in September. During the recent Christian Count Fiscal Court meeting, magistrates shared some of the inner workings of the project.
Magistrate Rich Leibe, who is on the board for HCCPL, said that despite recent challenges the project is on track to finish in the spring of 2025. According to Magistrate Josh Turner, the new elevator shaft is in, and the walls are framed in the new bathrooms. He explained that the deep bedrock underneath the library is what is giving crews trouble.
During a Hopkinsville City Council meeting, councilmember Jaime Leinberger added that attendance has significantly dropped at the library since construction began. She reminded the community that consistent programming from the library is still available.
The ADA compliant renovations first began on Sept. 3. This project includes an overhaul to the library’s first floor restroom and elevator. Grant funding for this project totaling $480,000 was put in motion by the Christian County Fiscal Court in February after two years of delays. A renovation of the second floor will follow construction to revamp the community room and move the entire children’s department upstairs.
During initial construction, the library will open and function as normal and the second-floor restrooms will be open for use. They will briefly close between Dec. 2- 7. Apart from the week they are closed, weekly programming is still being offered including Epic Hour, Storytime, various book clubs, a knitting and crocheting group, and Play and Grow. Find a full list of programs on the library’s event calendar.
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