There’s been general agreement for several years that the Chatta-nooga-Hamilton County Bicen-tennial Library was stodgy – more a dowager among public institutions than a lively participant in community life that attracted and energized constitu-ents with a useful array of services and products. That opinion was so wide-spread that when a task force commis-sioned by Mayor Ron Littlefield last year issued a public indictment of the library, there was little dispute about the veracity of that opinion. The harsh report, however, has begun to engender positive and visible change.
Some of the changes will occur quick-ly. If all goes as planned, the name of the library will change in a few weeks. It will be shortened to “The Public Library” from the current nomenclature. That switch makes sense. The new name is on point and perfectly describes the institution’s function. Besides, just about everyone already calls it that.
Other changes will be as readily apparent as the new name. Library staff and volunteers currently are working to make holdings at the downtown flagship more accessible. The library’s most popular titles will be shelved on the first floor, along with high-demand audio-visual materials. The bulk of the library’s professional staff will be located there as well, providing a ready source of assistance to patrons. That should please those who rightfully find the current layout difficult to navigate.
Similar changes will take place on the second and third floors. Plans call for a coffee shop on the second floor near the children’s department. That would allow parents to have a full view of their offspring while enjoying caffeine and conversation. There are plans, too, to create meeting rooms there as well. The third floor would continue to house the library’s local history and government
document collections. Some of the changes can be made within current budgets. Others must await funding, if not from the public purse, then through private donations or grants.