So, exactly how long does it take to close a library and empty an 8000 square foot house? Apparently it can be done in six days if you work hard enough and have enough dedicated people. At least that is what we found when it was decided that we must leave our temporary library in the O'Donnell House. With the Main Library nearing completion and the new owners in place at the house, the only sensible thing to do was pack up everything and begin the process of gathering all the materials spread in several storage areas throughout Sumter. It allowed us to transfer the shelving for the Friends' Library, organize the temporary collection to mate up with the collection in storage, get some great aerobic exercises in, sweat (a lot), and truly manage to get on each other's nerves! But we got it done - the last truckload of materials was taken away from the house yesterday!
(As an aside, I want to say how happy we are that Danny Jefferson has decided to take the O'Donnell House on as a major restoration project. He has the experience and know-how to take that wonderful building and truly make it a spectacular home and icon for Sumter. We'll follow his progress with eager anticipation!)
So where are we and what's expected next? All of the staff is somewhat crammed into the library on Wesmark - my "office" is for now a corner of the kitchen, others are in study rooms, some in the children's area, two in a service hall, and I think a few are hanging from the ceiling. But we can at least find a place to work, continue to add books and materials, prepare for the Author's Luncheon next Friday, get The "Big Read" up and going, and really focus on moving FOR THE LAST TIME back to Main. We anticipate getting into the building the end of February, sorting and shelving books and materials, the furniture arriving sometime the later part of March, and being able to open the early part of April. The "official" Grand Opening is firm for the 15th with a special Friends opening at 2 and the public opening at 3;30. But more on that later. In the mean time we appreciate all the understanding of the Sumter community as we go through this trying time - I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again - it is sooo going to be worth it!