Renovations at the Katie Lamb Public Library in Collegedale began last week.
"Named after former Collegedale Mayor Katie Lamb, the library has seen a significant increase in community usage and participation in its programs, creating an urgent need for renovations," officials said. "The library is consistently striving to meet patrons' needs while accommodating increasing program attendance."
Relocating the library presented numerous challenges. Books, shelves and other materials have been temporarily moved to the Collegedale City Hall East Room, where a pop-up library is now open.
Library members can still return books using the drop box located at the back of the original library.
Southern Adventist University’s McKee Library has partnered with the Katie Lamb Public Library to offer a space for those needing a study area, work environment, tutoring or access to computers and Wi-Fi during the renovations. Parking passes for near the library can be obtained at the campus safety office on the SAU campus.
“The Katie Lamb Public Library is facing an urgent need for more space,” said Library Director Regina Mullins. “Through our exploration of alternative renovation solutions, we discovered that reorganizing our existing layout could indeed create additional room for us.”
After the relocation, programming resumed on May 5 in the City Hall East Room. A list of program times and availability, as well as updates on renovations or changes to schedules, can be found at Katie Lamb Public Library.
"Saving the library was one of the best investments the Collegedale Commissioners have made,” said former Collegedale Mayor Lamb. “Providing books and programs that expand the minds of our residents has brought many hours of enjoyment and learning."
Officials said, "Katie Lamb Public Library is a valuable community resource, providing materials, information, services and programs to support and enrich lives and to promote lifelong learning and the enjoyment of reading."
The Library has been a supported service of the City of Collegedale since August 2011.