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Randleman library manager Donna Toomes shows off a
book-themed kids’ entry way to the children’s area at the new Randleman Public
Library.
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RANDLEMAN – Randleman’s spacious, new, state-of-the-art
public library will open at 10 a.m. Monday, February 2, in its new home at 142
W. Academy Street.
The library’s preschool storytimes, every Thursday and
Friday at 10:30 a.m., will resume on February 5.
“The new library will be a ‘better library for a better
tomorrow’ for the residents of Randleman and the surrounding areas,” says
Randleman Librarian Donna Toomes.
The new facility essentially doubles the library’s space,
from 6,300 sq. ft. to 12,573 sq. ft. Amenities include all new furnishings and
shelving; a large, inviting area for children that includes iPads and a smart
table; plenty of lounge and study seating for all ages; an expanded public
computing area; small group study or tutoring rooms; a conference room for book
clubs or other community groups; a large programming space with seating for 80
and associated activity space; and sufficient staff workspace and storage
areas.
The library closed its 122 Commerce Square location on
January 9 as relocation got underway. The previous library, built in 1973, had
become extremely crowded and lacked space for reading, study, children’s
programs and shelving for books.
Expansion of the library is part of the city’s effort to
reorganize government offices and beautify the Commerce Square area. City Hall
was moved to a Main Street building; the police station moved to the former
city hall; and the square was landscaped with a stage, a fountain, seating
areas and a farmer’s market.
The
new library building previously housed the Richard Petty Museum, which
relocated to Petty Enterprises in Level Cross.
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