Rockford Library sees complete remodel
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Rockford Library Board members enjoy seeing improvements made to the children’s area during the recent library remodel. Pictured from left are Shannon Atkins, Carol Mullendore and Dorothy Dunlap. Photo by Christa Jennings
Improvements to the children’s area help make it more inviting and visually appealing, with a colorful Dr. Seuss’ “Cat in the Hat” themed mural, rugs, beanbag chairs, a solar system mobile, and more. Photo by Christa Jennings
British-style telephone booth bookcases add to the visual appeal in the children’s section, making a charming display for some of the children’s books. Photo by Christa Jennings
Murals painted along the walls by Megan Jones add an artistic touch while welcoming patrons into the library. Photo by Christa Jennings
By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
The Rockford Public Library has undergone a complete remodel, with finishing touches recently added to complete the renovations.
Librarian Susan Rogers showed the new improvements to the Library Board members before their recent meeting, with special care taken for details in the children’s section.
The total remodel of the entire library includes new bookcases in the adult and children’s sections, murals painted on the walls and more.
The library also features a new children’s area, complete with rugs, beanbag chairs, décor, and telephone booth bookcases. Additionally, adding to the new decorations are kids’ toy fishing poles hanging above the children’s section, as well as an inflatable solar system mobile done using fishing poles to hang above the youth reading section.
Rogers said that the new decorations for the children’s area make it even more visually appealing to the children.
The Library Board was also pleased with the remodel of the library and all its improvements, with the library seeming to be an especially inviting place for children and adults alike now.
Rogers expressed her appreciation for the board and all it does to help support and promote the library. The Rockford Library Board members are Lena Johnston, Shannon M. Atkins, Charlyne DeBardelaben, Dorothy Dunlap, and Carol Mullendore.
Additionally, Doris Raison is a representative for the town serving with the Horseshoe Bend Regional Library.
The Library Board meets every quarter, and its members review and approve all expenditures for the library, help plan events and provide input on books and other items to purchase for the library.
Regarding everything the library has to offer its patrons, Rogers said the library still offers the Inter Library Loan Program, has two computers and a printer for patron use, has an outside free library box located in front of Town Hall, offers summer reading programs, has a summer fun day, offers homeschool assistance, has a book drop-off by Town Hall’s side door for convenience, and has large print books replaced every quarter from the Horseshoe Bend Regional Library.
“Horseshoe Bend Regional Library supplies the Large Print Book Program,” Rogers said. “They drop off and pick up each quarter. They also handle the Inter Library Loan Program where patrons can request books from other libraries.”
Rogers said that the library also tries to make things as convenient for patrons and area residents as possible, encouraging more people to utilize the library for access to books and other services provided.
“It is very quick to provide a library card for anyone wishing to check out books,” she said. “We try to supply the books that are suggested by our patrons. We are also very lenient on the check-in dates for each book.”
Rogers said the Library Board and she are working on an upcoming event sponsored by the library, possibly to be held June 27. She said they will have more details at a later date.
Located inside Rockford Town Hall, the Rockford Public Library’s hours are the same as Town Hall, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed 12-1 p.m. for lunch. For more information regarding the library, call 256-377-4911.
