Hallettsville Library undergoes renovations

The Hallettsville Friench Simpson Memorial Library is currently undergoing some renovations.

"We are just doing a little renovation to what was an existing book drop,” Library Director Breana Kristek said. “Originally, our book drop was a little bit hazardous. You had to step up onto a curb to get to it and when you drove through, you had to physically get out of your car. So, for some of our handicapped or elderly patrons, that becomes a little bit dangerous especially if they were coming through at night and no one was here to see if there was an accident or if they tripped. We also had a spout that came down at the corner of that building, so it would get kind of wet sometimes.”

“This will be a clean drive through, so you won’t have to get out of your vehicle. We have a sliding window right now and we are adding in the book drops a little later in the project.” Kristek said. “This is a positive addition to the library. I’m really excited. We understand it’s inconvenient right to have our book drop closed off, so we are doing fine fee forgiveness and you can call in and renew. We do understand it’s inconvenient right now, but as we explain the project to our members that come in, we’re getting a lot of support.”

The Hallettsville City Administrator applied for a grant for the library through the Lower Colorado River Authority in the amount of $25,000.

“It gave us a portion of the funding with the agreement that the Hallettsville City Council will match funds,” Kristek said.“

This new renovation will help facilitate curbside pickups a little easier.

“You will be able to do curbside through us much more smoothly,” Kristek said. “When COVID started, we started a curbside program where you can call us and request your books, and we’ll have them checked out and ready. This will help us reach a different standard for curbside.”

The constructor working on this is Joshua Napiwocki from Nap Design Company.

“It’s been amazing working with Joshua,” Kristek said. “He has done a couple of projects around town already. He’s really great with working with older structures and making it look like he’s not doing an addition. So, this doesn’t look like it’s tacked on. He’s very creative and has great attention to detail.”

The earliest date of completion is expected around December while the latest would be March of next year.

Some programs the library has going on currently includes their adult reading challenge.

“That started in September and is ending on Nov. 22,” Kristek said. “The more the adults read, the more raffle tickets they get. We have raffle prizes that have been sponsored by different community businesses.”

“We are also working on programming for Thanksgiving break and Christmas break. We’re looking for some fun programming for kids to come and have something to do during that Christmas break.” Kristek said.

Halloween “trick-or-treat” night will also be tonight, Oct. 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.