By Julie Fletcher
Several DeQuincy locals met Tuesday, Apr. 2 at the DeQuincy Library to discuss potential plans for the new library branch building. The library will be housed in the former Capital One Bank at 102 North Pine after it is remodeled. The Capital One building is about twice the size of the current library location.
Architect Denelle Wrightson presented slides of ideas for new or revised features. They included: innovative seating, food vending, drive-through book drops and pickups, a teen game room, updated tech areas, meeting rooms, outdoor spaces, and much more. She answered several questions, with occasional input from Library Director Marjorie Harrison and Branch Manager Janet Jordy.
Residents were interested in getting the library to co-ordinate with the City of DeQuincy for the use of McNamara Park. Many asked if more staff would be needed; Wrightson said that staff costs are the biggest expenditures for the library and hopes that efficient use of the new space will minimize the need for extra staff.
Posters of the slides lined the walls. Attendees each received 24 stickers which they placed on the posters to indicate the ideas they felt were most important to include in the new branch. The architects will use the public input as they generate plans for the renovation.
The DeQuincy branch has 2250 card holders who check out about 5000 items each month. An average of 120 visitors come through the library each day.
