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Books get a new home Mail Tribune / Drew Fleming County library employees Tess Kusel, of White City, and Lorrie Kovell, of Phoenix, tag the many empty shelves of White City's new library building. Kovell is responsible for procuring new books while Kusel is the branch's supervisor. The new library, on C Street, is set for a grand opening ceremony on Sept. 21 and will be open for regular service Aug. 27. By JILL BRISKEY Although it's not as grand as Medford's central branch, people are excited about the newly constructed White City branch library at 4143 C St. "It's just perfect," said branch supervisor Tess Kusel. "We love it." The new White City library building, next to the Rogue Family Center, is set to open Aug. 27 with a grand opening slated Sept. 21. Work on the 6,500-square-foot structure and its parking lot - build to accommodate 80 vehicles - began in 1999. Now crews are busy with the final touches. The library cost an estimated $1.1 million and comes courtesy of the White City Urban Renewal Agency. It was not paid for with funds from the $38.9 million countywide library bond passed by Rogue Valley voters last year. Ted Stark, supervisor of the county library system's Upper Rogue region, said that staff and volunteers next week will begin moving books and equipment from the old branch office on Antelope Road. "It's going to be a major, major job," Stark admitted. However, Stark added, it's a task everyone is looking forward to, providing some much-needed space. The old library on Antelope Road, built in 1974, is a cramped 2,100 square feet and is overflowing with an estimated 2,500 books. "Right now we have to take the kid's programs outside, there's just no room," Kusel said. "Parking is a real problem here." In the last six months, Kusel said she has witnessed three vehicle accidents in the parking lot off of Antelope Road as patrons attempt to park in a lot with only eight spaces. The new building, designed by the Portland architectural firm Fletcher, Farr and Ayotte, features a public meeting room that seats 49 and can be accessed after library hours. The county plans to rent the meeting room out for groups or individuals. The building's vaulted ceilings are framed in wood, some of which was donated by Boise Cascade and shaped in White City, Stark added. In addition to a child and adult reading area, an outdoor terrace was built for youth activities and other future possibilities. Large windows were placed to showcase views of Mount McLoughlin and the Table Rocks. Lorrie Kovell, a county employee, said many new books have already been purchased to fill the new shelving. Kovell, who is charge of procuring new books, said the additions will include information regarding scholarships, job search or career change and health-related issues. "We're just generally shaping up the selection," Kovell said. The exterior of the library, constructed mainly of brick, was patterned to resemble a civic building. Stark said the empty, grassy fields surrounding the new library and family center may be developed one day. "Potentially there could be a city hall over there, if we ever become incorporated," Stark said. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.