Dutton Day was home on Christmas break from Mississippi State University and, while the semester was over, the biochemistry major needed a quiet place to study.
“I came here as a child,” he said Saturday afternoon while sitting in one of the two new study rooms at the White Hall Public Library.
The door closes for additional privacy and quiet, and the solitude was just what he needed.
“I like it,” he said about the 10-by-10 foot, brightly lit room as well as the remodel.
Ellen Bauer, the head librarian, said these rooms are proving a popular option with visitors, as are the new computers. Both are part of a $270,000 revamp of the 41-year-old, 8,580-square-foot library at 300 Anderson Ave.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
This branch is part of the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System, and its reopening was delayed several months because of the covid-19 pandemic.
The redo includes the addition of two four-person study rooms, a lounge and four computers dedicated to teenagers, one family computer and one preschool computer.
The library’s 24-seat conference room was given a facelift, the old carpet was ripped up and replaced with a hard-surface floor, and new furniture was placed throughout the library.
Fred Reed of Reed Architectural Firm of Pine Bluff was the lead architect on the White Hall project, while East Harding Construction of Little Rock oversaw the work.
ENJOYING THE NEW VIBE
Like a dozen or so other visitors in the library, Day said about the overall modern design, “The minimalist aesthetic is pleasing and comfortable,” and he mentioned the interior colors, and particularly liked the yellow.
It was Sandy Hodges’ first visit to the library since the reopening.
Hodges, along with Cambree McQueen, both of Red-field, was enthusiastic as she said, “We love it.”
McQueen nodded in agreement.
They complimented the library on its selection of children’s books and the additional computers.
Bridget Foreman of White Hall has long been a regular of the library and this is her second visit since it reopened Nov. 30.
She said, “I like it.”
Although she said, “I’m getting adjusted to the layout,” Foreman said she appreciated the design that now created areas of additional privacy.
In particular, she said the study rooms were “a nice addition.”
Her son, Joses Foreman, Army private 1st class, is on leave for the holidays from Fort Bliss at El Paso, Texas. He was checking out several books, including works by James Patterson and Stephen King.
He agreed with her assessment of the library, as well as pointed out the additional computers and a large screen that can be used for multiple purposes.
A BIT OF HISTORY
The White Hall library was built in 1979 and last remodeled in 2005. Its circulation includes about 25,000 items, such as books, DVDs, audio-books, American Girl kits, and technology for children.
In 2016, Jefferson County and Pine Bluff voters approved two separate millage increases, totaling about $14 million.
This was used to upgrade the system’s four branches at White Hall, Watson Chapel, Redfield and Altheimer and build a new main library at Pine Bluff on Main Street.
Officials spent about $1.2 million for renovations and expansions at Redfield, Altheimer and White Hall, with the remaining money, about $12 million — spent on the ground-up construction at the main branch and work at Watson Chapel.
The library offers programs including Toddler Time, STEAM for elementary students, as well as monthly adult programs and family activities.
The White Hall Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Details: (870) 247-5064.