Library Board Awards Furniture Bids for New Facility

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Published on July 22 2015 10:50 am
Last Updated on July 23 2015 9:19 am
Written by Greg Sapp

As the process of getting the new city library facility completed continues, bids have been awarded for furniture for the new home.

The Helen Matthes Library Board awarded bids for $179,000 at this week's meeting. Library Director Amanda McKay was pleased, in that $200,000 had been budgeted for furniture. McKay said the total cost was helped by the ability to retain some existing items, such as some rugs that will be cleaned and utilized in the new location.

McKay said most of the furniture should arrive within six to eight weeks, either late August or early September.

Also this week, the library board approved a three-year agreement with the Effingham County Genealogical and Historical Society regarding space in the new facility. McKay said the agreement "confirms our current relationship; they are glad to be locating in the new facility, and we are glad they'll be there." The Society has space in the current Market Avenue facility.

The Board also approved changes to the library's gifts policy. McKay said the policy particularly outlines what will be welcomed for book sales. The new policy excludes newspapers, torn or moldy items, and general knowledge encyclopaedias. Also approved was a one-year agreement with Lazerware, the library's IT consultant.

Board members also discussed the upcoming closing of the Market Avenue location as of July 31. A temporary library facility will be located in the Council chambers at Effingham City Hall, preparatory to opening the new facility around the first of September and facilitating the transfer of materials from the current to the new facility without ceasing library services. An official closing celebration will take place on the 31st at the Market Avenue location.

The library will hold a Chamber Business After Hours at the new facility on August 6.