Renovations Begin At Parrott-Wood Library

Staff Photo by Marihelen Ballard

Phase 1 of renovations began this week at Parrott-Wood Library and excitement builds as work is underway to increase the size of the library to accommodate the growing need in the Strawberry Plain’s community. E. Luke Greene Co. completed digging and putting in the footers in preparation for pouring the concrete foundation at the Small Strawberry Plain’s library. Building inspector, David Gaut, inspected and approved the steel in the footers and the piers and Ready Mix USA began pouring concrete by 3:30. Jimmy Stipes was on site assisting in pouring the concrete and will begin to lay the block once this work is complete.

Barbara Shelton, Library Director, announced that the library is still open to the public at this time but that preparations are being made to close in order for phase 2 of the renovations to begin. At the moment the schedule for “shutdown” is undetermined, waiting for completion of phase 1, and pending approval from the library board. “When the time comes,” Shelton stated, “we will be asking for volunteers to help us pack up the library if anyone is interested and we could also use boxes.” Once everything has been packed, the old part of the library will be gutted in order to redo the plumbing and rewire the building. The building will then be opened up to combine the existing building with the new section. So far all of the work has been done by volunteers and all of the supplies have been donated. If anyone is interested in volunteering their time, services or supplies contact Jack Kramer at 865-789-6673.