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The Library ~ A Rockwall Resource

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Rockwall County Library

If you ask Rockwall County Librarian Marcine McCulley what she likes the most about the new library, she'd be hard pressed to boil it down to just one or two things. "Just about everything about the new facility is better than the old one. But if I were forced to list only one, I'd have to say adequate parking for events such as kids story time. And our student patrons just love the study rooms and plenty of comfortable areas to relax and read."

That is probably an unfair question to ask of someone who has had to deal for years with cramped quarters and lack of parking at the old library. There wasn't shelf room to add more books, the classroom and conference facilities were limited, and there were few corners where patrons could comfortably sit and peruse the selection. When the new building opened in November '08 it looked almost empty, even though every existing book had been brought over, plus 6000 more added on opening day.

At 52,000 square feet the new facility is over five times the size of the former location. Add to this the fact that this is the first place the library has occupied that was actually designed to be a library. Our Rockwall Library started as a room in the courthouse, moved to a converted church and then into a former post office. The library has always had to shoehorn itself into whatever space was available. Until now, that is. In November 2004, Rockwall voters approved a bond issue to build a real library, and in September 2008, the dream was finally realized.

Librarian Marcine McCulley began as reference librarian at the beginning of 2004, coming over from the Garland library system. Serving as library director for a little over a year now, she is involved in every aspect of the system. In addition to overseeing the day to day operation of the library, Marcine works with volunteers and outside foundations to augment the funds used to acquire books and keep the educational programs running. This includes working with public and private agencies to obtain grants and donations to support the learning programs and new materials.

What many in the community may not realize is that the library, while receiving roughly $1.4 million a year from the County, runs largely on volunteer effort. Members of the local service organization Friends of the Rockwall Library contribute hundreds of hours shelving books, teaching adult literacy classes, fundraising through the used book sale alcove and Pumpkin Patch events, and serving as community advocates by promoting the many services the library has to offer. Last year alone, the Friends of the Library raised over $36,000 for books and library programs, according to treasurer Susan Egan. "Everyone in our group is passionate about supporting this valuable community resource."

Since the opening of the new building, the value has become even more obvious. With over 40 internet-connected computers, free wireless internet, ample meeting and study rooms, a literacy center, a geneology research section, and an expanded children's section, the library is more than just a place to check out books. Evening classes are regularly held to teach English as a second language, adult literacy, GED, and Citizenship. An extensive network of reference materials, e-books, audio books, reports, and news sources are available online. Stories and programs for kids are regularly scheduled, and are extremely popular.

If you haven't been to the new and improved library lately, you owe it to yourself to pay a visit. Upon entering the front lobby, the visitor is drawn in by a feeling of grandeur mixed with hometown warmth, from the friendly greeting by the checkout staff to the spacious lobby, encouraging one to explore further. Prepare to spend some time, because there is a lot to discover.

For more information, visit the library website at www.rocklib.com. Be sure also to check out the Friends of Rockwall County Library at www.friendsofrockwallcountylibrary.com/ for more information about the library, its history, events, programs and volunteer opportunities.