CAPTION: The Livingston County Library, located at 450 Locust in Chillicothe, has a rich history in Livingston County and several upgrades will begin at the historical building within the next year. Those renovations include a new heating and cooling system, new plumbing throughout the building and preservation projects for the library's genealogy resources. Library board officials report that funds will be raised through donations and from contributions from local foundations.

C-T Photo/Megan Neis

After receiving praise on the Livingston County Library building from an architectural firm who completed a feasibility study, library board members unanimously approved the decision to stay in the current library and make renovations. The announcement was made during a historical program held at the library on Tuesday evening. Linda Beetsma, president of the library board, made the announcement to a crowd of approximately 80 people, noting that Alex Toye of ATA Architects conducted to review of the conditions of the library¹s structural issues. "The architect praised this building and determined that not only is it sound and worth saving, he valued it at $2 million," Beetsma explained during the program Tuesday. "After reviewing the final report from the architect and discussing his findings, the board has come to the unanimous decision that the future of the Livingston County Library belongs in this building."

A new heating and cooling system is needed in the building, Beetsma explained. She added that a centralized heating and cooling system would increase energy efficiency and would allow the whole building to be utilized. New plumbing is also needed throughout the entire building. Currently, there is no running water to the second floor of the library building. "Several years ago when the library's galvanized pipes began to corrode, a leak was discovered that required a stairwell to the Children's Library to be closed," Beetsma said, adding that the plumbing had to be turned off to the second floor to alleviate fears that the next burst pipe would cascade a flood of water over the adult book collection. "If we are to utilize all of the square footage this building offers, we have to restore plumbing on the second and third floors," said Beetsma.

Currently, the employees do not have running water in their staff break room so they have to go elsewhere to wash dishes or get a drink. Another important renovation to the library building would be preserving the genealogy resources at the library. "We have people from across the country coming in to view our genealogy resources," Beetsma explained. "Those resources would benefit from being stored in climate-controlled conditions." The Livingston County Library has an extensive collection of rare and valuable documents, Beetsma said. "It's important to think not only about how we are using items today, but how we are assuring the preservation of materials for future use."

The library board is still investigating options for an architect and general contractor to complete the renovations to the library. Beetsma reported that the improvements to the library are expected to begin within a year. She reported that funds will be raised from donations and the board hopes to receive contributions from area foundations as well. Those wishing to make donations should contact Robin Westphal, library director.

During Tuesday's historical program at the library, Westphal gave a history of the Livingston County Library. She explained that in 1920, the City Federation of Women¹s Clubs, which included DAR, PEO and Sorosis, made a motion to start a library. "They appointed a board and named the library the Livingston County Memorial Library," Westphal said. At that time, the current library building was occupied by a new first class post office. In 1921, the Federation of Clubs submitted a request to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury asking for a room in the new post office. However, the request was denied because of government regulations. Two rooms in the Minnie Brown Watkins house, which was located at the northwest corner of Calhoun and Washington, were rented for $25 a month. According to Westphal, in 1921 Miss Anne Broaddus was hired as the first librarian and began the task of setting up the library. "Over 600 books were initially donated," Westphal explained. Members of various clubs helped to get the rooms ready for patrons. Eighty-five years ago this month, in 1921, the library officially opened with more than 2,000 books on the shelves." In 1922, about 100 books a day were being checked out. By 123, the library board was looking for a new home for the library which was moved to the first floor of the courthouse. The library remained there until 1936 when a house at 813 Calhoun was purchased and the materials were moved. In 1946, the citizens of Livingston County voted to make the library tax-supported, instead of operating solely on donations. Shortly after the vote, the library was moved to the corner of Washington and Jackson where it stayed until it moved to the current building in 1966. In 1973 the first children¹s librarian was hired.

"Obviously over time the way people use the library was changed," Westphal said. "From card catalog to automation, from no computers to 40 for the public and staff, from books and videos to books and CDs and DVDs, we have adapted to the changing times." Westphal explained that the mission of the Livingston County Library is "to provide services and to help patrons obtain information which meet their personal, educational and entertainment needs." "The library has a rich history in this community and the library board has had to make many tough decisions," Westphal said. "But at the heart of those
decisions is the attempt to do what¹s best for the staff and citizens of Livingston County."

Also during the history program, visitors were invited to take self-guided tours to visit the different areas of the Livingston County Library.

Return to Top

Close This Page
Print This Page
Calendar Page