GARLAND — Patrons of the Miriam Lamb Memorial Library will soon be able to enjoy a new experience during their visits to the facility.

The Sampson-Clinton Public Library System has announced a reconstruction plan for Miriam Lamb Memorial Library in Garland. To make improvements, officials are closing the library to the public next month. Renovations are scheduled to begin May 1 and will continue through May 5.

This year marks its 40th year of providing services town residents and nearby areas. It’s one of four branches in Sampson County. It was established in 1977 by Library Director Bill Snyder. It’s named after a local school teacher known for loaning books out of her home to students.

Branch Manager Colanda Faison is looking forward to continuing the library’s history after renovations are completed. It’ been a while since upgrades were completed.

“We’re hoping that by doing the renovations, it’ll bring more people out to the library,” Faison said. “It’ll loo more appealing for patrons to come in and enjoy.”

The county’s public library system and the Town of Garland will collaborate on the reconstruction project together. Work will include painting, rewiring, and remodeling of the current layout. Kidd’s Painting Services has been contracted to paint the entire interior or the library, providing a fresh new look and better looking environment for patrons. Faison said bright colors will add to the ambience on the building.

“It’ll be something different,” she said.

A complete rewiring reorganizing of the computer system will be handled by Star Communications. This will enhance the the library’s computer infrastructure and building layout.

Faison believes the renovations and new layout will give visitors who come to study and research more space.

“It’s kind of like we’re sitting on top of each other,” she said. “It’ll provide more room and privacy for the patrons coming in.

The computer layout will also be switched around for this purpose.

“If they’re doing homework, it’s a distraction because everyone is confined in this little room,” she said.

Garland commissioners are currently in the process of seeking contractors to make roof repairs at the Senior Center, Town Hall and the ABC Store. The library is also being considered. A total cost of the contributions has not been announced an officials were unavailable for comment.

It’s the smallest of the branches, but it’ stocked with materials for patrons. Some of them include include best-selling books, children’s materials and DVDs. The others locations in Sampson County are the Bryan Memorial Library in Newton Grove; the Roseboro Public Library; and the main branch, J.C. Holliday Library in Clinton.

In a news release, Town and library officials stated they are dedicated providing quality library services for the citizens of Sampson County and apologize for any inconveniences from the library being closed.

The Miriam Lamb Memorial Library is located at 144 S. Church St. in Garland. When operating hours resume, it’ll be open from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Following construction, library and town officials will have a grand re-opening event for the public. A date has not been set.

“This well-deserved renovation is timely being this year marks the 40th anniversary of the library,” stated Library Director Heather Bonney, noting the fact that no major updates have been made since the library’s opening in 1977.

Colanda Faison arranges books and other items at the Miriam Lamb Public Library in Garland.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_Faison_1.jpgColanda Faison arranges books and other items at the Miriam Lamb Public Library in Garland.

By Chase Jordan

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