as printed in The Tuscaloosa News
October 9, 2003
By Markeshia Ricks
Leslie Raymond chases Will Crowder, 3, around the children’s area at the newly renovated Weaver Bolden Branch of the Tuscaloosa Public Library Wednesday afternoon. Raymond is an architect from Fitts Architects who helped design the renovations, along with Will’s mother, Michelle Crowder (not pictured). The carpet and children’s furniture were among the renovations.
Staff photos | Jason Getz
TUSCALOOSA | An old friend of the West Tuscaloosa community debuted a new look during a dedication ceremony Wednesday.
The Weaver Bolden Branch of the Tuscaloosa Public Library underwent about nine months of renovations to bring the appearance and the amenities of the facility into the 21st century.
Branch Director Opalisa Jones said that, since the renovation, she’s seen an increase in patronage. Renovations began in January 2003 and were completed in September.
“People like to come to a place that’s visually appealing,” Jones said. “I think once we get our new computers we’ll see even more traffic.”
In addition to new paint and carpeting, the branch boasts a custom-built circulation desk with flat screen computer monitors, display cases and new furniture.
Local architectural firm Fitts Architects Inc. designed the new look of the branch. The firm designed the branch’s last renovation more than 20 years ago, and Project Manager Michelle Crowder said it was time for a new look.
“Our goal was to modernize the look,” she said. “We wanted to bring up the color to complement what was already here.”
Tuscaloosa Library Director Nancy Pack said the renovations were made possible through a $90,000 community block grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“This has always been a vital library that has been used quite a bit by the community, but it really needed to be refurbished,” she said. “Now it’s a more pleasing facility, and I think it will add a lot to the community.”
Tuscaloosa City Councilman Harrison Taylor, whom Pack credits as being instrumental in the library’s grant process, said the branch has come a long way from where it was about four years ago. At that time, the branch was in danger of being closed because of a lack of funding, he said.
“I’m so glad people realize what we have here in this community,” Taylor said. “This is one facility that has been well-needed in our community and vital in the services it provides.”
But Taylor said the community must support the Weaver Bolden branch for it to continue its legacy in West Tuscaloosa.
“We believe that if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it,” he said. “And we definitely don’t plan on seeing that happen.”
Reach Markeshia Ricks at markeshia.ricks@tuscaloosanews.com or 722-0209.
