The Wimberley library has continued its dramatic transformation into a first-class community asset. This month it reopened its original space showing off the newly renovated wing with its new circulation desk, meeting rooms, fiction and nonfiction stacks and eight dedicated community computer bays to access book, DVD and CD titles, search for jobs, and for the public’s general use. A library card is not needed to use the computers. Community members who wish to use the computers can ask for a guest pass.
Opposite the circulation desk and part of the original children’s area, is a bright, welcoming area anchored by the original fireplace. It is furnished with tables, chairs and comfortable seating for patrons. The Spanish collection, audiobooks, DVDs, and Large Print collection are available in this area.
A NEW CIRCULATION DESK GREETS VISITORS IN THE NEWLY RENOVATED WING OF THE WIMBERLEY VALLEY LIBRARY. TO THE LEFT ARE THE NEW FICTION AND NONFICTION STACKS, SEVERAL OF THE COMPUTERS AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY, A PRINTING AREA AND A NEW AREA DEDICATED TO WIMBERLEY AUTHORS. THROUGH THE DOORWAY ON THE RIGHT IS A LARGE WORKROOM FOR LIBRARY STAFF AND OFFICES. PHOTOS BY TERESA KENDRICK
Major changes have been made to meeting rooms. The original multipurpose room, now called, “The Friends Meeting Room” can seat 30 to 40 people in chairs or 12 to 15 people at tables. A new room called the “Pearl Hughes Room,” can seat 20 to 30 people in chairs or ten to fifteen people at tables. Two private study rooms can seat up to four people at a table.
In May, the library revealed its brand new wing that included the Wimberley Community Room. The large space can seat up to 100 people in chairs or 70 to 80 people with tables. The library is currently working on an online system for patrons to book the meeting rooms via their website, wimberleylibrary.org, which will be complete sometime in August. Patrons will also be able to book the rooms via email or in person. The use of the rooms is free and open to the public.
Near the fiction and nonfiction stacks is a new area dedicated to Wimberley authors for their popular “Connect with a Wimberley Author” program. Nearby is a copy and printing area.
Part of the renovated space is a sizable room for storage, cataloging and book repair for library workers.
Nomi González, Director of Marketing and Adult Programs, who led the tour of the revamped original building said, “We are incredibly proud of the library’s transformation into a bright, welcoming space. The new library complex reflects our dedication to creating an environment that fosters learning, creativity, and community engagement. We cannot wait for everyone to experience this remarkable space and witness its positive impact on our community firsthand.”
The Wimberley Village Library Foundation has led a multiple-year campaign to raise money for the library’s new wing and renovation. It has diligently pursued its purpose is to build the community support necessary to provide the tools and facilities to advance the learning opportunities at the library. According to the Foundation, their work is far from over.
“Some of our future projects include creating a temporary overflow lot, permanently expanded parking, signage and striping of the old parking lot, a partition system for the new large meeting room, and the addition of playground equipment,” they wrote in a statement shared by the library.
“Our commitment to enhancing the library and supporting fundraising efforts for future projects remains steadfast.”
Located at 400 FM2325, library hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Wednesday the library is open until 8 p.m. On Sunday, the library is closed. For information about their extensive programs for children, teens and adults, visit wimberleylibrary. org. Click the Donate button on the top menu if you wish to donate.
IN THE NEWLY CHRISTENED PEARL HUGHES ROOM, NOAH LEWIS, ASA ROTHELL AND DANTE FABER-SMITH PLAY DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS. PHOTOS BY TERESA KENDRICK
IN ONE OF THE NEW STUDY ROOMS, LIA DONOGHUE, LEFT, ROBIN GALPIN, CENTER, AND PUPPY LOVE PET SITTING SERVICES OWNER SHANNON RIGBY, HOLD AN EMPLOYEE REVIEW.
