Margaret's Story

What a great setting for a murder mystery was my first thought when I toured the library building at 90 Court Square - stairs that went nowhere, doors that led to strange closets, nooks and crannies, including a ladder that went straight up to an opening in the roof. The next week I began "my perfect part-time retirement job" at the public library. I soon fell in love with the pleasant and welcoming old building where all kinds of people came for all kinds of information needs. That it was historical and had once been a postoffice only added to its value in my eyes. In those days, 1999, we were not so crowded as now, and when people talked of a new library, I thought why can't we just renovate the great building we have now. As we have steadily grown over the years, I came to realize that that was not a practical idea for many reasons including a severe shortage of parking spaces.

One of my favorite memories of the building was listening to the laughter from the genealogy room as Hattie Clements or Celia Keeling or some other member of the Genealogy Roundtable shared stories of an early Nelson county family or one that had traveled throught the area on their way further west. Thanks to this group we have wonderful genealogy records that are visited by people from all over the United States.

Another happy place was the children's space on the second floor. Story hour moms gathered and had a chance to chat with each other while their children listened to stories read by Miss Betty and now by Miss Stephanie.

We will also miss being in the center of downtown culture. Hurst's Drug Store and other 3rd Street restaurants were always close for a fun lunch or break time. Some have told us they will deliver, and that is really nice, but it won't be the same as being there.

Of course, genealogy and children's activities will be a part of our new location, and we are not likely to starve for lunch. We are moving to a beautiful building designed to meet our growing needs. It will surely develop a personality as we settle in, but those of us who worked at 90 Court Square will always have good memories of a building that has served us well.