Library Supporter is "ALL IN" for the Expansion Project

Library Board and Friends of the Library member Kathryn Kozlinski recently donated $1,000 toward the Lewis County Public Library and Archive renovation and expansion project "Building for the Future – Preserving the Past." A passionate supporter of this project, Mrs. Kozlinski had the following responses to questions that donors have the opportunity to answer when making a contribution.

What inspired your donation?

"I love the 'You're Welcome Here' attitude every time you walk in the library! The amazing, talented staff makes the MAGIC that is OUR county library! They have a variety of special, all-inclusive events from Summer Reading and Story Time activities to programs for history lovers and more. Our library creates spaces for group meetings, after-school studies, and quiet areas to read. I love the feeling that you are welcome by everyone, and that everyone is welcome."

How has the library impacted your life?

"Audiobooks for my extended driving trips, conversations with the staff to identify my interests and make recommendations, being able to research my family history are all just the beginning. I appreciate the library adding dementia-related educational information to their collection, giving me the opportunity to continue my work with cognitively impaired seniors and their families. Being a part of the library as a Friends of the Library member and Library Board Trustee has opened new doors for me. I like that my granddaughter got her first library card here and has enjoyed the fun and educational programming, and they have made her feel like a vital part of a great place with volunteer activities also."

What aspect of the renovation are you most excited about?

"I'm torn between the new Archives Area and the Meeting Room, where we will have the opportunity for group meetings to discuss and learn even more about our histories. I, along with many others, share the late Roger Bouldin's desire to expand the library to allow for archival space needed to increase public access to our county's history. What a joy it will be to have information currently stored in the old jail finally available to the public! The new archive space will also include the library's existing local history and special genealogy collections. Additional bathrooms won't be hard to accept either!"

The renovation and expansion project has an estimated cost of one million dollars and will double the size of the existing facility. In addition to an added 100-person capacity meeting room, a large climate-controlled archive storage room, private viewing/study room, and multi-stall restrooms, the entire library will be updated to meet ADA compatibility requirements, improve technology resources, and many other upgrades. Tax-deductible donations toward this project may be made online at http://www.lewislibraryfriends.com or in person at Lewis County Public Library and Archives.

Friends of the Lewis County Public Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable group of volunteers formed to support Lewis County Public Library and Archives of Hohenwald, TN.