Demolition of Yachats library should take place this month as summer programs ramp up in temporary quarters

 

By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews

YACHATS — The original Yachats Library building may be only a memory by late July when demolition is expected to make way for a new, bigger structure.

Meanwhile, it’s business almost-as-usual for the library in its temporary quarters and time for a full slate of kids’ summer programs.

Before the teardown of the structure on West Seventh Street can occur, final cost estimates from the contractor must be okayed. Then, the contractor — King West of Corvallis — can seek a Lincoln County building permit.

“While the permit is underway, we can tear the old building down, do all the excavation work and install concrete footings,” for the new library, said Library Commission chair David Rivinus. As the process moves forward, the commission is tapping the expertise of one of its own members, civil engineer Street Schellhase, and that of local architect Linn West, who chairs the city’s Public Works & Streets Commission.

Dates at this stage are mostly best guesses; demolition of the 50-year-old building could take place in late July.

“Anyone who’s ever built or renovated a structure knows that things happen and schedules can go awry, but we’re hopeful for smooth progress,” said Rivinus.

When completed about one year from now, the new $1.5 million library will offer some 3,600 square feet of books, magazines and DVDs, plus a community meeting room and an area for teenagers and children. The old structure measured 2,400 square feet.

In May, library volunteers and students at Angell Job Corps emptied the Seventh Street building. Much of the 18,000-item collection was shrink-wrapped and stored in a Waldport warehouse. The remainder, mostly new and frequently-borrowed adult books, children’s titles and some periodicals, were taken to Room 8 in the Commons.

“Library volunteers did a heroic job packing everything up,” said Rivinus, who also praised the Job Corps team. “The Angell helpers were forest firefighters in training, and it was great to see their teamwork.”

Operating from noon to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, the library’s temporary home is less than half the size of the former space. “It’s a small space, but it’s practical and it’s free,” Rivinus noted.

Adjusting to smaller quarters

But library administrator Traci Altson, the library’s 25 volunteers and many patrons are enjoying some perks in the tighter quarters.

“We have a bright, centrally-located space and we’re thankful for the big windows,” said Altson. The wall of windows on the north side of the Commons where Room 8 is located brightens the space, and a colorful carpet delineates the children’s area.

While bookcases and two computer stations hug the perimeter walls, the space in the middle has been left mostly empty. That’s because Room 8 is also used periodically for festivals and art shows. When that happens, valuables are secured and the bookcases are covered.

“Patrons are coming in in increasing numbers,” Altson said. She stressed that the library is continuing its level of service in two key areas: digital content available through a program called Libby, and adding new, contemporary titles.

As before, patrons may still request special-order, current titles, on a limited basis.

The library continues to welcome book donations for the book sales conducted periodically by Friends of Yachats Library. Until the new library is open, DVDs and most magazines are not being accepted.

“Even though we’ve scaled down dramatically, we’re not hearing that people are having trouble finding what they’re looking for,” Altson said.

Altson added that the library could use one or two more volunteers. Those interested may fill out a volunteer application on the city’s website.

Children’s summer fun

Although the library is much smaller now, it has a big schedule of summer programs and activities for youngsters. Under the guidance of children’s librarian Kelly Simmons, presentations, hands-on activities and doggie reading sessions are scheduled, as follows:

• Summer programs at Yachats Pavilion. No registration required. Geared toward children ages five through 12, but all are welcome. “Nature Journaling and Sketching”, 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, July 16; “Bees in Oregon,” noon to 1 p.m. Monday, July 22; “Origami,” Wednesday, July 24. Session is full; “Junior Bird Watching and Journaling,” noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 31; “Cloud Observation and Appreciation,” 1:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7; “Jewelry Making,” Monday Aug. 12; Session is full.
• Read to (or with) Golden retrievers Meg or Gracie. 2-3 p.m. Wednesdays, Room 8, the Commons. Through the end of summer, all are welcome to share reading time with two gentle, four-legged locals, loved and accompanied by Yachats resident Kathi Smith.
• Summer reading program. Week of Aug. 12, for toddlers through eighth graders. A summer reading checklist can be picked up in Room 8. When completed and returned, the checklist will be redeemable for a gift certificate to Waldport’s JillyBeanz ice cream and dessert shop.
• Agents of Discovery. Youngsters can get outside, explore their environment and collect a prize with this augmented reality game. By downloading a free app on smartphones or tablets, participants engage with games and challenges via a web-based platform. To begin, download “Agents of Discovery,” and its local “mission”— Yachats Chamber of Commerce presents Yachats Public Library’s “Yachats: Gem of the Oregon Coast” mission. Children 12 and under who complete their missions can claim a prize at the Yachats Visitor Center.

 

• Cheryl Romano is a Yachats freelance reporter who contributes regularly to YachatsNews.com. She can be reached at Wordsell@gmail.com