Sharon Forks Library opens after year of remodelling
The new entrance to the Sharon Forks Library is now open for use. This entrance was first became accessible to the public on October 30 this year.
November 13, 2017
Sharon Forks Library, a Forsyth County Library that has been open since 2000, has undergone expansion and renovation during the past year. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “the number of patrons visiting and the number of items checked out each year has both grown by more than 300 percent since the branch opened in 2000.”
What did the Sharon Forks Library do to accommodate to this problem?
The $7.2 million project started with a Groundbreaking Ceremony, which was held on November 14, 2016. In preparation for the construction, the book drop was moved outside and two parking lots were closed. Demolition of the rear parking lots began on January 24 and trees were removed to make room for the new expansion. About 200 truckloads of dirt were taken from the construction site to set up an underground retention water system. Throughout all of this work, the library remained open. In March, though, the library was forced to close because it did not have access to electricity. Plumbing and electrical systems were completed before 27 trucks poured concrete slab over the site. Weeks later, columns and beams and the frame to the new part of the building were put in place. The roof was replaced in May. The Sharon Forks library closed intermittently over the summer, and the Friends Bookstore at the library was forced to close on July 30. The drywall was placed, and final touches were made as the opening day approached. Finally, civilians were welcome to enter the Sharon Forks Library through its new entrance on October 30.
The construction nearly doubled the size of the library. Because of this expansion, the area for holding books has been moved to the new entrance. A wall of windows was made for the Children’s area, so that the room can be flooded with sunlight during the day and create a more welcoming environment. In addition, five study rooms have been added. These will be a huge benefit to students who want to have a quiet room to study or be tutored in. A room will be dedicated for teens, the Friendship bookstore will be expanded, and an automated drive-through book return will give the library a much needed update.
However, there is still more work to be done on the library. The older part of the library is being renovated as well, and that date has yet to be decided. The employees of the library post pictures and updates on Facebook and Instagram.
