Cleveland Bradley County Public Library board chairman John Hagler, left, reviews financial reports with library director Andrew Hunt and board member Richard “Tiger” Jones.
CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Cleveland Bradley County Public Library officials said there’s more to come in a major restoration to the landmark Craigmiles House, which is the library’s history branch and archives building.
The facility, on Ocoee Street across from the main library, offers resources for genealogical and historical research, including court records, Civil War military documents and assorted correspondence and manuscripts. The Craigmiles House was the city’s main library between 1923 and 1987. When the new library campus was established in 1988, it became an archival center.
In a recent meeting, library board member Bill Burch, who has overseen comprehensive efforts to improve the building, said the focus will shift as the last exterior projects are completed.
“The next big job next year will be to to look at the plaster and interior work of the building,” said Burch.
Mortar work on the exterior bricks has been completed, he said. The project, which also called for cleaning and waterproofing measures, is a key element to maintaining structural integrity, Burch added.
A concrete ADA-compliant ramp has been installed, and the building’s exterior has also been repainted, a process that “uncovered a lot problems” with old wood and initiated needed repairs and replacements, he said. Improvements to the building’s guttering is next on the outside projects list, said Burch.
Renovation plans also call for providing a modern room for genealogical research, said John Hagler, library board chairman. The goal is to offer an inviting facility that the public will use, he said.
The main library campus continues to undergo various grounds and landscaping projects as well, said Burch.
Crepe myrtles and carpet roses have been planted on the northern perimeter along Eighth Street, Burch said. The plants fill space previously occupied by a low stone wall, which was moved to the Ocoee Street frontage. A double iron gate has been installed to complement the stone wall, said Burch, and new concrete has been poured in the patio spaces between building wings facing the street.
Plans also are underway to build a crosswalk connecting the main campus to an auxiliary parking lot across Church Street, said Burch.
Most of the completed projects, which have been funded entirely by private means, have been “right on budget” so far, said board member Richard “Tiger” Jones.
The history branch renovations have cost $195,000 and the main library improvements have cost $76,000, said Jones.
Another $150,000 needs to be raised for the projects, he said.
Library officials said they expect serious consideration will need to be given to future maintenance budgeting to sustain the work that is being done.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. Email him at paul.leach.press @gmail.com.