Now that the dust has settled (literally!), I finally have time to share about our recent move. Clark Elementary relocated to a new building over the summer and that meant packing and moving the library! Have you ever wondered how libraries are moved? If you have visions of packing all of those books (16,000!) into boxes, or maybe nightmares like I did, you'll be pleased to know that wasn't the case! Thankfully, large double-sided moving carts were brought in for the job. They each held a surprisingly large amount of books and weighed a ton when full. We filled about 22 of them and it took a few people about a total of 8-10 hours to load them and shrink wrap them. Everything else in the library (supplies, technology, etc.) was boxed up for the move. The contents of the library, minus the old furniture and shelving to be surplussed, was moved into storage for the summer until the new building was ready. It was really sad to see the library packed up. I found myself thinking about the thousands of children that had spent time in that space since the 1950's and pondered the sheer number of books that came in and out of those doors- a million or more, perhaps. Fortunately, my excitement for the new building and library helped. I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a bit choked up when I saw the bulldozers knocking down old Clark and all of those memories.
We first had access to the new building in late August, but since the library shelves weren't bolted to the walls yet, it wasn't until Labor Day weekend that the books started getting unloaded onto the new shelving. I could hardly move in the library at first with all of the carts full of books, new shelves and cases, and boxes... everywhere! It took 40 hours to get the shelves adjusted and the books on them, but it was worth it! The new library is beautiful. We are still working on some decor and deciding whether the layout is just right, but that takes time. Enjoy the photos below and be sure to check out the new space in person!