library renovation

Excitement is building in Covington!  The newly expanded and remodeled Covington Branch of the Kenton County Library is nearly completed.  This project is the culmination of a decades-long plan.  Phase one was to replace the overcrowded and very busy Erlanger Branch.  This was done in 2001.  Phase two consisted of building the new William E. Durr Branch, just south of Independence, to serve the quickly growing central part of the county (opened in 2007).  Phase three is the Covington Branch. Covington is the flagship branch of the system with roots going back to the late 1800s.  The current building, constructed in 1973-74, needed major upgrades and enhancements.  As an example, the stairwells and fire alarm system were not up-to-code, the heating and cooling system was original, the building had no sprinkler system and the roof needed replacing.  The building also lacked many of the amenities our patrons have grown accustomed at the other two branches. So what’s new at the Covington Branch?  First of all, you will encounter a new three-story entry pavilion.  This space is flooded with natural light and houses our new Circulation Department.  The Children’s Department has tripled in size and has its own activity room and reading garden.  This colorful area also includes a new piece of public art specifically designed for the space:   A large mosaic featuring a river scene with a child fishing surrounded by native flora and fauna.  The mosaic includes pieces of pottery and other elements donated to the library by our patrons.  The children’s area has also been decked out in kid appropriate furniture and comfortable seating for their parents. The building now also has a separate computer lab to assist the staff in teaching technology [...]