City names architect for new library contract

R U S S E L LV I L L E — City officials have entered into an agreement with CREATE Architects, Inc. from Florence to design the new public library/multipurpose center. The cost of the contract is not to exceed $250,000.00.

Back row, From left, RPL board member Debbie Beason; Center, RPL Director Joshlyn Bowen; RPL board member Maria Mojica; Front row, from left, RPL employee Sara Davis and RPL board member Tammy West Emerson.

“I’m looking forward to a groundbreaking ceremony soon,” said Mayor David Grissom after council approved the contract last week.

The library is currently located at the intersection of Lawrence Street and Coffee Avenue, where it has been since 1994. The new library will be on property donated by the Norris family in 2020. It’s located directly behind city hall at the intersection of Lauderdale Street and Coffee Avenue.

On Sept. 3, 2024, the city council accepted the $3,892,000 grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the construction of a library/multipurpose center.

“I’m very grateful for Congressman (Robert) Aderholt seeing fit to secure the money for the grant,” Councilman Jamie Harris said. “I’m grateful for the congressman’s belief in Russellville.”

Grissom said the North Alabama Council of Local Governments is currently working to complete an environmental review, which is required prior to the start of construction.

Joshlyn Bowen, who took the helm as director of the library on May 16, 2022, said getting a new library built has been a top priority for her.

“This has been a focus of much of my time and energy in my time as director with my primary goal being to bring life to Russellville Public Library and build it into a bigger asset for our community,” she said. “We look forward to seeing how much more we can impact this community with more space and a state-of-the-art facility.”

In November last year, the library was officially presented with $10,000 in grant money, courtesy of Rep. Jamie Kiel .

Bowen said the money was used to update technology and learning systems for teens and children, including an 85-inch television for special learning time and movies. Leftover money was used to purchase more books for the children’s room and junior fiction area.

Bowen said the new library will create new opportunities for the public On her planning list are programs geared to help young adults and adults get better prepared to enter the workforce; programs focusing on how to write a resume, how to navigate Excel, Microsoft Word and other computer basics.

She said she also wants to add programs geared toward teens, including working with the library’s 3-D printer, art design, robotics, and a gaming system, components meant to help them “come in and feel excited about the space.”

Her ideas for the younger members of the community include a “weekly toddler time and pre-K story time, as well as a sensory station and/or sensory wall in the children’s room.

“At the new library, we will begin a monthly book club, and there will be an area with chess stations and a rotating puzzle table where patrons of all ages can come and spend time in a space to detach from their phones and other devices that consume so much of our time in this day and age,” Bowen said. Community thoughts

Mark Dunbar of Russellville said a bigger library opens lots of opportunities for the public.

“I’m anxious for the new library to get built,” he said. “I enjoy reading mystery books. Perhaps there will be an even larger selection of large print books when the new library is opened. I’m looking forward to seeing what it will have to offer.”

Lindsay Cash Hall of Russellville enjoys visiting the current library, but she’s excited about the plans for a new facility.

“My family loves visiting Russellville Public Library. Our youngest son has lovingly nicknamed it ‘the little library,’” she explained.

“Although little in size now, we know Joshlyn and her team have a great big vision and heart to see it grow and flourish in its new location. We can’t wait to see all the new things RPL will have to offer. Big days are ahead!”

RPL Board member Connie Cole said she “can’t wait” for the new library to be completed.

“It’s going to be so wonderful, and I’m just ecstatic about it,” she said. “A library is such a resource for a community, and I’m really excited for it to get finished so I can get inside and enjoy it.”

RPL Board member Debbie Beason said the new library will create new opportunities for the public “This is important for the community because a library is a community service,” she said.

“The new library will have more space to expand everything that’s being done now, and more space will allow for a meeting room that the public can use.”

“I am so excited!” said Lela Ray, retired RCS art teacher and member of the RPL Board. “We, the community, are getting closer to the end of the journey.”