Renovations at the library have taken a new turn! This last Monday, the Rosenberg Library switched to a new phase in the renovations schedule. The Gibson North room (cage area) has been reopened to the public while the Gibson Reading Room has been closed for further renovation work. Patrons can now view the beautiful new archway in the newly opened space, new carpeting, freshly painted walls, and fully restored original Rosenberg Library tables and chairs. The archway, which will also be mirrored in the Gibson Reading Room, follows the designs for the woodwork in the historic children's department on the third floor (now the Fox Room which is also currently being restored). The McCullough room is still under construction, but the stairway leading to the third floor has also been fully restored. All the old carpet has been ripped up to reveal the beautiful original marble.
Heber Taylor, editor of the Galveston Daily News, wrote a gleaming article about the success of the ongoing restoration projects at the Rosenberg Library in the Sunday, December 19 edition of the Daily News. Mr. Taylor encourages all residents of the island to stop by the library to "boost morale" and see where the project is headed. To see the article and pictures of some of the restoration work, including wainscoting in the McCullough Room, visit here: http://galvestondailynews.com/story/199078/
Restoration work will still continue at the library until tentatively March. Please, just as Mr. Taylor suggested, stop by and see our progress! We're all extremely excited about the new changes. Thank you for being part of the oldest public library in the state of Texas. We apologize for the inconveniences of the construction activities, and we appreciate your patience as we revitalize our beautiful historic structure. Happy Holidays from all of us at the Rosenberg Library!
