J. W. McDonald Memorial Branch

2008-07-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

Grand Opening Day, Sunday, July 27, 2008.

Visitors stream in.

Quite a crowd!

Library Board President Danny George begins our program.

Director Steve Rogge accepts a flag, donated by the Modern Woodmen of America

McDonald Branch customer Gabby McIver speaks about what the new building has meant to her.

Branch Manager Gail Goldberg beams on a happy day!

J.W. McDonald Branch Opening Day

2008-07-09T06:24:00.000-07:00

We are moved in, furnished and ready for customers! Thank You, Rapides Parish Voters!

Foyer, mural by local artist, Margie Tate

The donor of the land we built on, Mr. J. W. McDonald, by local artist Jerry Gorum

Customers flood in on opening day, June 23, 2008.

Computers are popular!

Kid’s PC

The staff at the J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch (left to right): Jackie Gillespie, Gail Goldberg, manager, Donna Coker, Doris Wadsworth

Bookshelves are going in at the new J. W. McDonald Branch!

2008-06-04T09:08:00.001-07:00

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Book Brigade, May 13th

2008-06-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

This symbolic event allowed school children to bring books from the old branch to the new.

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2008-05-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

The Ceiling Tile is in.

Getting Ready for Carpet.

New Picnic Tables for the Patio.(Click images to enlarge)

The asphalt parking lot has been installed.

2008-04-25T06:50:00.001-07:00

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Nearly Finished

2008-04-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

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A picture of the J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch nearly completed on 03-26-2008.

Contribution to the New Library Branch

2008-04-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

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This mural, donated by Glenmora resident Margie Tate, will be the first thing our customers see when they enter the new branch. It is a view of old Glenmora through the window of a library.

Almost Finished!

2008-02-19T09:53:00.000-08:00

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Inside

2008-02-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

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Roof Work (01-30-08)

2008-02-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

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Frame

2008-02-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

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Slab is Poured

2007-12-18T10:15:00.001-08:00

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Construction Begins

2007-11-23T11:06:00.001-08:00

Branch Manager, Gail Goldberg

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Footings poured

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Clearing the Land

2007-10-16T07:43:00.001-07:00

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Groundbreaking Ceremony

2007-09-17T12:57:00.001-07:00

The McDonald Family and Library Supporter Jerry Gorum

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Branch Library Manager Gail Goldberg and Assistant Director Beth Vandersteen

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A light moment at the groundbreaking of the J.W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library in Glenmora. Pictured are Library Director Steve Rogge, Library Branch Manager Gail Goldberg, Library Board President Danny George, Assistant Director Beth Vandersteen, State Library Consultant Danny Gillane, Police Juror Richard Billings, and Dee McDonald Guy.

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J. W. McDonald Memorial Branch Library ground breaking
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Timeline for the J. W. McDonald Memorial Branch

2007-08-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

June 22, 2007 (Friday) – first of three ads appear in The Town Talk announcing the two projects for bidding by contractors.

July 17, 2007 (Tuesday) – 10:00 Bid Opening. Extended till July 31, 10:00 a.m.

July 31, 2007 (Tuesday) – Since bids came in somewhat higher than expected, the Board postponed a decision until August 21st, pending work with the winning contractor, Tudor, Inc., to find ways to lower costs.

August 21, 2007 (Tuesday) - Board accepted re-worked specifications and budget plan. The only major change was cutting to ten the number of paved parking spaces.

September 4, 2007 (Tuesday) – Board recommendations on winning bids are presented to the Police Jury at their committee meeting.

September 10, 2007 (Monday) – Police Jury acts to accept contractors for the two projects.

September 11, 2007 (Tuesday) - Groundbreaking ceremony at 9:30 a.m.

October 15, 2007 (approx.) - Begin construction in Glenmora.

Move in approximately late March/April 2008!

Construction blog for the J. W. McDonald Memorial Branch

2007-02-28T13:26:00.000-08:00

The Rapides Parish Library has served the citizens of the Glenmora area for many years out of 1321 square foot store front rented from the local Masonic Lodge. As branch usage increased, the size of the collection grew and several extremely popular public access computers were added. The inevitable result was unacceptable crowding that makes using the branch difficult for customers. Library staff have provided services in space long outgrown and inefficient for the programs and services currently available.

One September 30, 2006 the Library was successful in promoting a one mill property tax increase. The 64% yes vote will prevent deficits from developing in the near future that would have required cutbacks in services. The increase also now permits the Library administration and Board to go forward with plans for better facilities in certain areas, including Glenmora.

After architectural studies and cost comparisons, it was decided that it would be preferable to build a new building, rather than try to expand the existing branch into adjacent rental space, if and when that space became available. The new building will allow a more efficient layout and greater energy efficiency.

After some searching, facilitated by our friend Jerry Gorum, contact was made with the McDonald family, who have decided to donate a site for the construction of the new Glenmora Branch in memory of James W. McDonald, Sr. The property, located just behind the Sheriff’s substation, facing the railroad tracks, will enable the Library to continue to offer convenient access to school children and all other customers.

On February 21st the Library Board of Control approved preliminary drawings from architect Bill Tudor for the two new branches. The plan calls for a 4000 square foot building to replace the 1321 square foot space now in service. It features a community room for both Library programming and for general public meetings. It also has space set aside for the continued operation of the Back Room Book Store, run by the Glenmora Friends group. Most importantly, there will be additional space for collections and services.

Front view of the site for the J. W. McDonald Memorial Branch

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Rear view of the site for the J. W. McDonald Memorial Branch

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Floor Plans

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