By VERNA BROCK
In Wakulla County, we have watched the transmografication of the southwest corner and parking lot of the Community Center over the past few months, as a brand spanking new edifice is erected there. For the very first time in Wakulla County’s history, a public library has been designed, funded and built for that exact purpose.
The first tiny storefront library appeared in the 1970s, when Leon County entered an agreement with the Wakulla Board of County Commissioners to provide library extension services. Opened across from the Courthouse, the Leon County Public Library operated it with limited funding from Wakulla. I bet you can imagine how well that played out.
The BOCC chafed at having no actual vote in how the branch was run, even though they were contributing funding. Eventually, the Wakulla County BOCC decided the County would assume full responsibility for a small public library. It opened in the historic courthouse building, which is now used as the Chamber of Commerce in Crawfordville. Three stories tall, it is the last example of a nineteenth-century wooden Florida courthouse. The State of Florida considers the building a priceless architectural treasure, as do Wakulla’s citizens.
As a library, however, it faced significant challenges. Housing heavy book stacks above the first floor level was impossible without endangering the structural stability of the entire building. There was no elevator, making a lot of the building inaccessible to anyone with physical limitations. It lacked central heat and air, which prevented the true climate control necessary for materials’ preservation and protection.
Inevitably, due to population growth throughout Wakulla and the need for a more practical facility, the library moved to its current location in Medart. It prospered there for the past 20-plus years, even undergoing an expansion, but once again began to experience growing pains. After much effort and planning by library staff, a construction grant was written, submitted and awarded. We were on the way to a bright new library.
Now, in a few short weeks, we will be welcomed into an amazing facility that can serve our citizens for decades to come. I can’t wait to attend the grand opening, and tour this new iteration of the Wakulla County Public Library! What new literary heights will be scaled, what flights of imagination will take wing, and how many children will become lifelong readers? All thanks to the vision of librarians, citizens, and government working in partnership to provide a warm and welcoming hub for learning and growing!
A quick update on the never-ending tale of the traveling euphonium before I close. Since August 22nd the horn has (reportedly) remained stranded in Caledon, Ontario…again TWO THOUSAND miles from the actual seller. There have been no updates concerning any movement of the instrument. But! Ed did receive a $10 invoice from UPS for confirming Customs did not charge him for their repeated inspections as the errant euphonium repeatedly crossed international lines. Keep in mind the not-insignificant shipping costs already paid for mailing a small tuba hither and yon!
Anyone want to offer odds on whether this horn ever makes it to the Station? Until next week, wish us luck!