How to Move a Library?

June 29, 2024

It is hard to believe that it has been exactly ONE YEAR since our library move!! How did we move from our 4,400 square foot 1970s library into a newly renovated $4 million, 17,100 square foot, two story facility that was a mile away? In short, with the help of friends and family.

Previous Library Building

In my research and reading, most small libraries are closed 4-6 weeks minimum for a move; I was determined to close for as short of amount of time as possible (we closed for only 2 weeks). Most small libraries hire movers; I was determined to move our collection ourselves. The move began in February/March of 2023 by trying to sneak car loads of boxes into the new building … I was told to calm down and let the contractors finish without my stuff in the way. Did I listen? Somewhat.

Newly Renovated Library

 April 2023 was spent assembling furniture for the new building … By the time May rolled around, the library staff was taking 3-4 loads a day in personal vehicles to the new facility, while still open to the public at the old facility. That’s when my Dad stepped up and started hauling about 5-10 loads a week, bringing his small utility trailer when it wasn’t raining, on top of the employees that volunteered to take loads in their vehicles. Not only did my dad physically work his tail off moving furniture and books, he’d go and pick up furniture at the post office that wouldn’t fit in any of our vehicles (I’m talking sometimes 40 huge boxes of chairs), he’d help meet with vendors without me asking, to show them where to install machines or unload furniture because I had a line of people that needed me and he knew where it was to be installed. My Dad, in true fashion was there, working, helping, doing what needed to be done. There are no words to adequately express my gratitude!!

About 5 weeks before we were set to open, my husband, who loves me more than I deserve and even when I am often unloveable, started taking off 1-2 days off every week to use my enclosed trailer that was once a mobile jewelry boutique, to haul boxes and furniture in addition to my dad’s utility trailer. When it would rain, he would back it up right under the front porch of the old building so the staff and the boxes wouldn’t get wet. He took off the entire last week of the move to be there and nearly all of the week before. He was my right hand … working into the morning most days right along side me, only to be back at it after only 3 or so hours of sleep. Not once did he complain!

My mother, she had the hardest job of all!!!! She kept my two boys when I needed to stay late, go in early, and during our final push, she let them stay the night so I didn’t have to worry about working until after midnight! The mental load that she took off of me by not having to think about supper, baths, bedtime, and watching them while pushing to get the building open was the best gift I could have asked for!!!!!

My library staff! Y’all have never worked so hard in all your lives yet you stepped up and got it done!! I am blown away by the work, leadership, and determination I saw my crew exhibit. I am beyond proud of them!!!!!!!!!!!!

My friends that prayed for me, brought me supper, coffee, and offered to do whatever they could to lighten the burden. The patrons that brought us food and snacks. Those that bought lunch for my crew when everyone worked through lunch!

There has been SO many hands that went into completing this project … I’m sure I have missed naming so many in this blog. The amount of blood, sweat, and tears that was poured into this move was immeasurable. But the hardest part was behind us and the last year has been one amazing new adventure!!!!!!!

To follow along with current events at our new facility, please visit www.thomasvillepubliclibrary.org or https://www.facebook.com/ThomasvillePublicLibrary

References:

Photo of old library by Nichole Stinson, 2020.

Photo of new library by Nichols Photography, 2023.