Library repairs set to be completed before end of May

Patrick Camp, The Cullman Times, Ala.
Updated ·2 min read

Apr. 20—It has been a long road to recovery since the main branch of the Cullman County Public Library suffered extensive storm damage in August, but library director Amber Thornton is now hopeful repairs will be completed by the end of May.

Thornton was not acting as director when straight-line winds damaged the library's south-facing wall and toppled several rows of shelves eight months ago, but she has made quick work of seeing that repairs are completed after being appointed to the position in February. Thursday, she informed the CCPLS board that she is expecting estimates from two different contractors by the end of the week.

Thornton said she provided both contractors with two options for repairs; one which would replace the windows which previously existed along the wall and a simpler option which would forego the replacement of the windows.

"The way I had them do the estimates was I wanted one where they just walled it up and didn't match the windows, and I also wanted one that had the glass as well. Because our insurance company didn't pay out a lot, we are going to compare those two, but I think we are going to be in good shape when we get those to go ahead and start," Thornton said.

Thornton said both contractors she met with said they would be able to begin working almost immediately and assured her that the repairs could be completed by the end of May, which would give library staff an opportunity to replace the non-fiction books — which have been in storage since the damage occurred — in time for the start of this year's summer reading camp June 5.

Thornton said the theme for this year's camp would be "Adventure Starts at Your Library" and would be centered on U.S. National Parks. She said assistant director Shelby Creekmore and circulation manager Laura Benton have been in "serious planning mode" preparing for the week-long event. She said a number of camping themed activities were in the works and summer reading logs had already been finalized for both adults and children.

In other business the board:

* Discussed the visits Thornton and others had with various satellite locations throughout Cullman County.

* Opened the bidding process for a new bookmobile.

* Announced the "

Storybook Sprint

* " one-mile fun-run sponsored by The Friends of the Public Libraries of Cullman County would begin at the library Saturday, April 27, at 8 a.m.