Del Norte Public Library begins construction on new roof

Photo by Lyndsie Ferrell The Del Norte Public Library is getting a new roof this week. Funding for the project came through the Rio Grande County Library District. The roof was one of the main capital projects for the library.

DEL NORTE — Big things are happening at the Del Norte Public Library this week as construction on the 1980 addition of the roof is being replaced with new materials.

Over the last several months, library personnel worked with the Rio Grande County Library District to see that a promissory note in the amount of $20,000 that was issued years ago was paid.

“We were able to look through the minutes and find this funding and we decided to use it to pay for the roof,” said Del Norte Public Library Director Susan Williams.

The library was originally built in 1905 through several local donations. Before the building was in place, the King’s Daughters, a local organization began collecting books for the purpose of a library and housed the donated books in the front room of an individual’s home. Later, when a local resident decided it was time to build a library, the King’s Daughters were able to bring all their collected books to the new building and thus began the King’s Daughters Library.

The addition that is being reroofed was built onto the library in the early 1980s and the building has remained the same since. Layers of shingles have been added to the roof over the years and it was time the issue was resolved.

“We are just so grateful to have the means to be able to do this. We have such a wonderful library in Del Norte, and it comes with a rich history. It is our job to see that it stays intact,” said Del Norte Public Library Board President Glynnis Williams.

As the new roof is installed, the library will keep to their regular business hours and programs. Over the last year, the library has started two new programs that have become popular.

“Our story time on Wednesdays has become very popular and we hope to continue to welcome children through the rest of the year and next summer as well. We have really enjoyed spending Wednesday mornings with parents and local children, so we hope to keep the program going,” said Williams.

The Story Time Program is hosted every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m.

The other program that is gaining popularity is the new Adventure Walk in Del Norte Town Park. This month’s book is titled “The Kissing Hand” and was sponsored by the Del Norte Head Start program.

“We are scheduling for sponsors for future books so if anyone wants to be a sponsor just call and we can get you set up,” said Williams. “Sponsors can be individuals, organizations, families or businesses. They just call, choose a book and we can get everything scheduled.”

The library purchased a new laminating machine and now offers this service.

“We recently purchased a large laminating machine for the Adventure Walk Program and can now offer laminating services to patrons. We also have a smaller machine to do smaller projects which is nice,” Williams said.

Williams also stated that the library is currently trying to start a puzzle exchange program and would like anyone willing to bring in puzzles for all ages and abilities to help get the program going. The rules are simple — bring a puzzle, take a puzzle. The library is looking to increase their inventory of youth puzzles and preschooler age puzzles.

The library is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.