"L" is for
The building shown above is the newest addition to the municipal buildings in my city. A part of the Central Arkansas Library System, the grand opening of the Esther Dewitt Nixon Library was held on February 14, 2009. This building is a much-needed improvement on our former library, which was housed in an old and relatively small, flat-roofed building. All things considered, the accomodations might have been OK except that the flat roof gathered and held excessive amounts of water during heavy rains, which we often have here. Twice in the last five years, parts of the roof gave way, causing extensive flooding in the library, and even worse, much damage to the books in the stacks.
To my discredit, I haven't been involved in community affairs to any extent during the years I've lived here. However, I am a book-lover and the last episode of flooding caused me such consternation that I went straight to the mayor's office to express my displeasure and to urge the funding and construction of a new library building. I don't assume to take any credit for influencing the final decision to do just that, but was delighted to see it come to fruition during my lifetime. I've watched the progress of construction from ground-breaking to the grand opening. It doesn't hurt a thing that it is located within walking distance (on one of my good days).
The interior is spacious and well-arranged, the stacks are full of books with new, transparent covers (even the old books look new again), there is a generously-sized meeting room, a new and cleverly decorated children's area, benches and chairs upon which to sit and read, and an ample area designated for the new computers, which are available to any library patron. All in all, a wonderful improvement.
Not seen in the photograph because of the angle from which I shot is is the gently pitched roof! No more water accumulation!
ABC Wednesday was created by Mrs. Nesbitt. Please visit the ABC Wednesday site to view others' interpretations of this week's letter, "L."
