Article Title: Kellogg-Hubbard Library to Open as Something Old and Something New

Edition: April 2001
Category: General Interest
Author: A.B.Merriam
Article:

The long-awaited renovations and improvements to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library will be finished by the middle of April and a grand opening is scheduled for a date yet to be determined in May.

Saying that people have been amazed at the changes, outgoing librarian Janet Nielsen said: "people can hardly stand it!"

The centerpiece of the improvements begun over a year ago is the children's library which is a world away from the old, damp and dark children's space in the basement of the building.

Paige McIntire, a Montpelier mother of two young children, said the children's library "is a delight -- bright, warm, and welcoming." She praised the efforts of everyone involved including the library staff, the board of trustees, the architects, and the taxpayers, who she stated "must be very proud of this project."

Ruth McCullough, one of the librarians in the children's wing, said that many people who come into the new children's space are overcome with emotion when they see the improvements.

"Some mothers cry when they see the new addition," said McCullough.

The improvements and renovations will cost around $2.5 million overall.

Skylight Exposed
The children's library is not the only marked change at the library. An old skylight, covered up over twenty years ago to prevent excessive leakage, was renovated, adding light to the main library's central room. Tuscan yellow walls, green sconces and laptop computer accessibility make the adult library inviting. The old Smilie Children's Room has been turned into three new meeting rooms available to nonprofit groups.

A copy of a Renaissance bas-relief frieze surrounds the upper walls of the second story gallery. Though this is the same frieze given by Thomas W. Wood in the late 1800s, the absence of fluorescent lights and the uncovering of the old skylight highlight the frieze's austere beauty.

Library patrons are surprised to learn that the new children's space covers about the same square footage as the old basement location. Warm green paint, natural wood, exposed granite (outside of original building), and expanses of glass combine to create an inviting place to browse, read, and hang out. I.B.M. donated a computer strictly for children to use.

A new circular skylight in the bathroom provides enough light for young fingers unskilled in flipping light switches. Children and adults alike are impressed with all of the light.

Library technician Claire Gilbertson offered that she is "looking forward to watching the seasons change," especially since she can actually open the windows to bring in fresh air.

Leahy Wing
Current head librarian Janet Nielsen explained that the Leahy Wing honors Senator Patrick Leahy who not only secured $750,00 in federal funds, as well as some personal funds, but also spent his boyhood at the library reading all of the children's books, and then after special dispensation from the librarian, reading from the adult shelves.

Others Honored
Others who will be honored for giving either time or money to the library will be Janet Nielsen, who will have a room named for her. The three meeting rooms downstairs will be named for the three surrounding towns who have donated money.

Soon-to-be Library Director Hilari Farrington offered that she and her staff are receiving "positive reactions" from patrons. She noted that there are still more changes in the works, including landscaping before the grand opening in May.

Selected Contributions to the Kellogg-Hubbard Library Renovation Project

City of Montpelier:	$600,000
National Life:	$100,000
Federal funds:	$750,000
Northfield Savings Bank:	$45,000
Vermont State Employees Credit Union	$30,000
Individual Gifts	$23,728
Vermont Mutual	$20,000
Union Mutual Insurance	$10,000
Casella Waste Management	$3,000

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