SEPTEMBER 2019 35
of the collection and helped the library
move to a temporary location two blocks
away.
Renovation began in May 2017, and the
nearly 16,000-square-foot library hous-
ing more than 53,000 books reopened in
August 2018. The design features a smart
mix of private nooks nestled into open
spaces, such as diner booths with individ-
ual hanging lights that project intimacy.
Lower shelving now allows more sunlight
to filter through the large new windows,
and high ceilings contribute to an airy at-
mosphere. Prominent television screens
display library programming. And one
central desk now anchors the reception
area facing the entrance.
“It’s a really pretty building with a lot of
curves and little alcoves,” Library Services
Administrator Melissa Eason says. “We
have a lot more people sitting and visiting
or sitting and reading, and we’re getting
great turnout for our programs.”
Young visitors greatly benefit from the
changes. The new children’s library fea-
tures a soft, rubber play floor with color-
ful flecks of red, blue, and green, and AWE
Learning literacy-focused computers and
Playaway tablets tune out the internet and
turn children on to learning games.
The Sherman Art League has plans to
turn the library into a gallery, with
quarterly displays by various artists.
Also, this fall, an empty 7,000-square-
foot lot at the corner of Walnut and Mul-
berry streets will be converted into an
outdoor pavilion with large interactive
musical instruments and a butterfly gar-
den. 421 N. Travis St., Sherman. 903-892-
7240; ci.sherman.tx.us/283/library
Internet for All
Downtown Midland has seen a flurry of
development in the past several years.
Witnessing the revival, Midland County
Public Library Director John Trischitti
III realized the opportunity for a reno-
vated library just one block south of the
downtown plaza.
“We envisioned parking at the library,
going to storytime with your kids, and
then walking to the park one block away,
where kids can play at the splash pad and
get lunch at the food truck,” Trischitti says.
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