The Plains Public Library unveiled its new look after renovations

PLAINS – The fantasy books were back on the shelves as if by magic. The history section was planted and dubbed ‘History.’ The science-fiction novels soared through space to land in new territory and the poetry books found their nooks.

The Plains Public Library re-opened Tuesday, Jan. 21 after going through some heavy-duty renovations. The makeover, according to Librarian Carrie Terrell, was long overdue.

“What we have now is so much nicer than the shag carpet. It was very old and dusty,” Terrell said. “It really needed a fresh update.”

The psychedelic 1970s carpet was not the only thing that was replaced. Numerous changes were made in addition to the carpet.

“We changed out the computer tables and the main table,” Terrell said. “We also added new outlets for the laptop users.”

One of the updates caused Terrell more of a headache than the others—the bathroom.

“We were not prepared for all of the bathroom updates. The bathroom required extra prep,” Terrell said. “We laid down the linoleum so we would be open just in time.”

Another change was made to the library that Terrell was particularly enthusiastic about, the children’s section.

“The children’s section has new carpeting and we have opened it up more,” Terrell said. “It will be nice for the little ones.”

Both the children and adults of Sanders County have been flocking to the library to see the changes.

“We have had probably double the usual amount of people coming in each day,” Terrell said. “Everyone wants to see the changes and everyone has been really complimentary so far.”

Terrell is pleased that the newly renovated library has been so well received by the public.

In light of the achievement, Terrell was thankful to the Plains Library Foundation.

“The foundation really stepped up to come up with the money for the renovation,” Terrell said. “It was so nice to be able to make the improvements.”

Terrell guessed the foundation had raised approximately $10,000 for the renovation thus far.

The Plains Public Library is open once again; however, the project is not 100 percent complete. The office in the backroom section still needs to be renovated. The renovation is scheduled for some time in March.