The Library Family Board of Trustees
Shawn J. Miller, Chair Sandra Chambers, Vice Chair Melissa B. Kimathi, Secretary Mrinmay “Moy” Biswas Beth Fowler Hank Kinsley Luis Olivieri-Robert Dawn Trembath Angela L. Wilson Alan B. Teasley, Friends Liaison Wendy Jacobs. BOCC Liaison
Main Library Renovation Planning Progressing
D
urham County Library’s Main Library is set to undergo a major renovation in the next few years to provide additional space, updated facilities and enhanced technology. Main Library is over 35 years old, and it has reached the limits of the amount of technology that can be added with the current design. In addition, the central staircase creates poor sight lines, and the building has very little natural light. The library also needs more room for programming and the North Carolina Collection. The renovation of Main Library is the final step of the regional library plan implemented by the County Commissioners more than ten years ago. The new building will be LEED certified and built to accommodate the needs of our customers well into the future.
Upcoming Board of Trustees Meetings May 19, Main Library July 21, East Regional
Friends of the Durham Library
“Main Library is an integral part of the downtown community. It’s our goal to make Durham County Library a destination and to make sure we uphold our mission of encouraging discovery, connecting the community and leading in literacy,” said Tammy Baggett, Library Director.
Alan B. Teasley, President Shayne Goodrum, Vice President Lauren Spohrer, Secretary Susan Skinner, Treasurer Robert (Bob) Colver Jane Goodridge Elizabeth Hein Felicia A. Leggett Eve Marion Tina Oshinski Carol Owen Leah Rutchick Elnora Joyner Shields André Vann Carol Ann Walters Elsa Woods
A series of public meetings have been held to provide updates on the project and to gain community input. More public meetings will be held as the project progresses. The library will also host invitation-only forums for representatives of key constituencies like downtown businesses, providers of services to the homeless and surrounding neighborhood associations. “We know that Durham residents are very passionate about their library, and we want to keep them informed on the design progress that is occurring with this transformative project,” said Baggett.
Durham Library Foundation Frances Dyer, President Elizabeth Townsend, Vice President Andrew Hutchings, Treasurer Leslie Dillon, Secretary Alice Alexander C. John Chen De Cutshaw Dannette Daniels Phil Hutchings Thomas Keller Anne Lloyd Lew Myers Frances Rollins Sandra Chambers, Trustee Liaison Felicia A. Leggett, Friends Liaison Alice Sharpe, Library Liaison Tammy Baggett, Library Director
The Main Library renovation is tentatively scheduled to go on a bond referendum in November 2016. After passage of the bond, construction will begin in late summer or early fall 2017, with a completion date of early 2019. Current Main library's exterior, Auditorium and Children's room.
To keep up-to-date on the planning progress, and to watch videos of past community meetings, visit durhamcountylibrary.org/mainrenovation.
Friends of the Durham Library 2016 Annual Meeting Thursday, June 9, 7:30 – 9 p.m. Main Library Auditorium
Annual Meeting Agenda l
300 N. Roxboro St., Durham, NC 27701 Best of Friends is published in support of Durham County Library, with primary expenses for printing and distribution paid by the Friends of the Durham Library. The newsletter is produced by the library’s Marketing & Development Division.
2 Best of Friends Spring 2016
All members of the Friends of the Durham Library are invited to attend. RSVP and questions: Dionne Greenlee 919-560-0190 / dgreenlee@dconc.gov
l l
l
Election of Friends Board Officers for the 2016-2017 fiscal year Approval of the 2016-2017 Budget Reception for Friends Scholarship Recipients Updates on projects supported by funding from the Friends