HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Patrons of the library may notice major differences as they enter the building for the next few months. Services at the Hopkinsville Christian County Public Library have temporality been consolidated to a single level as the second phase of the renovations prepare to begin.
Tiffany Luna, executive director, explained during Fiscal Court meeting that staff has been hard at work storing and moving items downstairs to accommodate the highly anticipated second-floor renovation. They have been carefully moving materials downstairs or into storage to make sure the area is completely clear to accommodate demolition.
This new phase will rework the floor plan and allow for children’s and teen programming and materials to eventually move onto the second floor. The new teen space will include individual pods where they can study, a large selection of reading material, along with charging stations and a gaming station.
While the selection of non-fiction and Genealogy may be consolidated for the time being, HCCPL will continue to provide all regular services on a smaller scale. All services and materials will be on the first floor, including patron computers and printing services. They will provide passport services by appointment, and notary services on a walk-in basis.
“During the renovation, we also will offer ‘Take and Make’ activities. On select days, patrons are invited to drop by HCCPL to pick up a kit and take it home to enjoy,” Luna told Christian County Now. “For our younger patrons, we will have Take and Make: DIY Hot Chocolate kits to give away after
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Bathroom and elevator renovations
The second-floor project is in addition to the ongoing renovation to the first-floor bathroom and elevator. The women’s restroom will have two stalls and the men’s restrooms will have one stall and one urinal, according to Mari-Alice Jasper at HCCPL. Additionally, both restrooms will include baby changing stations.
“When the renovation is complete, our restrooms will be wheelchair accessible, ADA compliant, and stroller friendly. This will allow us to better serve all of our patrons,” said Luna. “Our new restrooms also will feature automatic hand dryers and new soap dispensers.”
The elevator will also have an increase in capacity and be ADA accessible, it is scheduled to be complete by March 2025. Luna clarified to Christian County magistrates that this process was briefly delayed after crews encountered bedrock and the elevator delivery was stalled.
“This renovation project is the first time the elevator has been replaced since the Ragland-Potter Building was remodeled to house the public library in the 1970s,” Luna said. “Once renovated, the elevator will be larger, ADA compliant and stroller friendly, making it easier for patrons to access all areas of the library.”
Jasper added that barring any complications or bad weather, the entire renovation project is tentatively scheduled for April 2025. Find a full list of programs on the library’s event calendar.