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T'ville library needs new building to expand services
Donofro and Associates, an architect firm from Dothan, is developing the new design, which Wilson hopes to have available soon. "It's only a matter of time," she said. "We are fine tuning the plans. From there, it will start to fall into place." The location of the new building has not yet been decided, she said. The current library is located off Highway 43 on Moseley Drive near the Pizza Hut. "Once we get the plans finalized and the site selected, we will push forward with the funding," Wilson said. Along with providing basic services, "we would like to remain an integral part of the community of Thomasville. What I would love is to have people walk in and say 'wow. This is a wonderful place to learn.' "We want to attract from the earliest age all the way to later in life." The library developed a 20-year plan a few years ago. "We put a lot of thought into a new building," she said. Wilson has been director of the facility since June. The library served approximately 27,131 patrons in fiscal year 2007. Approximately 6,152 people used the computers. "I am extremely impressed with the continued success of our public library," Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day said at a recent council work session. "In seven years we've gone from 12,886 patrons to 27,131 in the past year. "…They expect over 29,000 visits this year. That is phenomenal for a small town library." The total number of items in the library collection is 19,682. The amount of money spent in fiscal year 2007 on books, CDs, DVDs, computers and software, and children's programming was approximately $23,000. The source of funding comes from the city and state funds, and donations from individuals and businesses. The budget from the City of Thomasville for fiscal year 2008 is $137,250. There are three full time staff members including Wilson and three part-time staff members. There is also a group of teen volunteers who donate approximately 20 hours-a-month, she said. The library is open 48 hours-a-week. Patrons do not have to live in the city limits of Thomasville to be members of the library. "We serve Clarke and surrounding counties," she said. The library has many cooperative efforts underway. A $5,000 grant has funded placing books in the library of the LifeTech Transition Center. "We also continue to rotate a library collection at the Nursing Home and the Boys and Girls Club," Wilson said. The director has also renewed a relationship with the Thomasville School System. A graduate herself of Thomasville High School, she met with librarians from all three schools during the summer. "We work with them to provide materials so the kids can get their projects and school work done. We want them to feel comfortable telling us what they need." The library also plans to be a resource for entrepreneurship through a partnership with the local campus of Alabama Southern Community College. The library offers free one-onone computer instruction for persons over 55-years-of age. However, the facility only has nine computer stations. Wilson would like to have six more in a different area for the use of young people. When dreaming about the new building, the director would like to one day establish a children's computer lab, "a place where parents and kids can come and learn together." The library also offers free wi-fiinternet access for patrons with laptop computers. Wilson is particularly excited about a group of sixth through ninth grade students who come in monthly and discuss a selected book. "This is something they do on their own," Wilson said. "It's not a school activity. It's really doubled in size in the last year." A separate book study group for 10th through 12 grade students has also been started. "I just can't say enough about the young people who come in," Wilson said. Looking into the future, Wilson would like to have gallery space to exhibit local art and photography. Also, because of limited space, the library has to use the elementary school gym for summer reading events. "We will have 150 to 200 people coming to our summer events," she said. "We encourage parents to stay and bring friends and relatives." Along with more study and workspace, the library needs more meeting rooms. "It's a struggle to coordinate all the activities in that one small (meeting/ board) room," Wilson said. "…We could have a group of 25 pre-school age kids in here every week for stories and reading activities if there was space." Up to 12 kids can be accommodated in the current children's space. "We have a fantastic story hour….Melanie (Cornelson) is an inspiring teacher. That's a gift she has - working with young kids." The current Board of Trustees at the Thomasville library includes Harry Hodges, Board Chair; Marc Prescott, Vice Chair; Rita Nichols, Treasurer; Hildra Clarke, Member; and Scott Lewis, Member.
For more information concerning the library, call 1-334-636- 5343.
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