Saving the Wall

One of the first things you saw when walking into the library was the brick relief wall. Many people ask what the designs are supposed to represent. In the words of the sculptor, Harold Balazs, "...one of the recurring themes in my work is the juxtapositioning of disparate ideas. So it seemed natural to use such an idea for a library, which is after all, a repository of many ideas." This wall will become a focal point in the newly renovated library and the construction crew is working gingerly around it to make sure it stays safe.

Making Headway...

Well, things are moving right along on the construction front! They've got everything down to pretty much the bare bones now -- it's just a matter of building things up again and adding on! Great thanks to all the people who are hard at work to make the Richland Public Library as great on the outside as it is on the inside!

The lobby case in the entrance -- don't worry we'll still have display space!

Debris on the roof! How did they get that up there?

The North East Courtyard -- it looks more like a parking garage!

The North West Courtyard

The South Wall of the building.

Making Progress

The de-construction of the interior of the old library is progressing on schedule and is starting to resemble a parking garage when you drive past. Be sure if you are looking at the construction, you are also paying attention to traffic! It is mesmerizing to watch and would be easy to rear-end someone if you're not careful - take turns driving, so the passenger can watch.

Blowin' in the wind

Many of you probably drove past the "under construction Richland Public Library" last week to see curtains blowing out the now non-existent windows. This was such a strange sight to see and was captured from the inside by the on-site photographer Beth Bailey.

The Story Circle

When the library was first under construction back in 1969, a little boy was overheard by Joyce Bliss, the children's librarian that "the new library was going to have a swimming pool!" The pool of course, was the story circle. Now, during the demolition of 2008, it looks like the story circle is a swimming pool!

The demo begins

Welcome to the

Richland Public Library Under Construction Blog!

Here you will find pictures and updates on how the expansion and remodel of the Richland Public Library is progressing.

Feel free to leave your comments -- we will be monitoring them, so please no profanity or flaming other posters!