“The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” – Albert Einstein
Moving day! Inside the large airy spaces of 100 City Hall Drive, the staff and workers are excited and enthusiastic even as they face the huge challenge of hauling 55,000 different items from the old Central Library and History Center facility, which is just across the street, and re-shelving them in their new state-of-the-art 39,000 square-foot home.
They are leaving behind a building that has long struggled to keep up with the demands of a modern library to serve its fast-growing, tech-savvy community.
“Our old facility is showing its age,” said Central Library & History Center Manager Marisa Richardson. “It was constructed before the library had computers! We will now have a dedicated computer lab and a training room for technology-based classes.”
“The separate spaces for children and teens also have their own computer stations. Kids have an activity room with cozy seating areas sprinkled throughout so families can gather to read or work on crafts together,” said Richardson. “We’re also very excited to offer teen patrons the perfect space to collaborate for homework and group projects.”
The police jury selected local companies Boggs & Poole Contracting Group Inc. and Prevot Design to build the $9.5 million facility.
“The new library is designed to be flexible enough to serve the community for the next hundred years,” said project architect Mark Prevot. “Natural light floods a central atrium space that provides ease of access to all areas of the library and features a small café area and exhibit space for art. The facility will also house the new Bossier Parish History Center, utilizing custom designed exhibits to evoke the time periods and special events in Bossier’s past.” The predominant colors are from the gray spectrum with accents of green, turquoise and red. The meeting and conference rooms, numerous individual study areas with phone charging stations, designated rooms and areas for specific crafts, educational and other purposes are brightly lit with comfortable seating. Patrons, speakers, tutors and students, large classes and study groups can speak openly and use media and machinery in private rooms without disturbing others using the library.
Popular crafts and art classes that struggled with limited space and inadequate facilities in the old building now have large well-appointed rooms with storage and clean-up areas. “Our makerspace will feature 3D printers, sewing and embroidery machines, a film studio, a music studio, and a variety of crafting tools. Patrons with an interest in science, technology, and design will be delighted with the makerspace,” said Richardson.
“My goal for the library is to continue providing a safe space that fosters education, literacy, learning, and community gathering,” said Library Director Felesha Sweeney.
During the transition, the library will be closed from Thursday, March 7th, until Monday, March 11th, with a grand opening planned for later this month, said Richardson.
“Our patrons will be surprised by how open and spacious the building feels. It’s truly a gathering place,” Richardson said. “The new library’s thoughtful design makes it an exceptional feature in our community.”
