From Debra Loudon
Creston
I wanted to express a huge thanks to both the new director of the library, David Hargrove and to FEH Associates of Des Moines. First, kudos to Mr. Hargrove for making himself available to the public during the two days the design charrettes were being produced. He patiently listened to many visitors, listening to the pros, cons and complaints. I feel he is on the “same page” as most of us, wanting a functional, upgraded and expanded library to fit everyone’s needs. I was impressed by his dedication to the library and its needs and feel he will stick to his principles as library director in seeing the stacks, contents of the library, needed upgrades and function of what a library should be will remain his top priority. If you have not stopped in to meet him, I encourage you to do so. Mr. Hargrove is definitely all about the library and I praise him for that. He is open to new ideas and options; however, his focus is on what it should be...making a better library for Creston.
Secondly, I would like to praise FEH Associates for their dedication and patience during this two-day process. I was impressed by their understanding and patience and continual work in trying to come up with a suitable design that all can be happy with. Not an easy task! They were very explanatory and did not appear to mind that we were all looking over their shoulders as they designed and redesigned according to what they were hearing from those of us from the public sector. There were several designs that were posted for the public to view and I honestly believe the one showcased in the Thursday, Aug. 13 Creston News Advertiser is a superb example of what our new library should look like! There is an excellent marriage of old and new on the exterior of the building. The floor plan for the main library is roomy and well planned out for staff to observe patrons in every section. There is a new, much needed computer section. The bottom level is well designed and has much needed meeting rooms and plenty of room for different clubs, organizations and cultural activities to take place without disturbing the library’s main floor. As current president of the Southwest Iowa Shutterbug Camera Club, I am looking forward to our club possibly having some of our meetings there. Remember many years ago when there used to be bridal showers and club get-togethers held in the basement of the Matilda J. Gibson Library? It was THE place to have a meeting or get-together. With this new library we would again have a nice place to have meetings and it will allow for many diverse groups to take advantage of this new space. The drawing is an awesome rendering of what the town of Creston could have. Come on people! Let’s do this!
I sincerely believe the people of Creston can come together and get this project done. I have seen our fine folks come together, single-handedly without any outside help, and raise money to save the depot, restore our parks, build walking trails...the list goes on. The wonderful Allen family has lovingly restored the old post office into one of the most beautiful, functional buildings in the city. I urge all of you to meet Mr. Hargrove and experience his dedication and energy toward this new library. Let’s all pitch in and get this structure built. Don’t forget to attend the meeting on Monday, Aug. 31 at the library regarding how to get the best use out of the library’s first floor design. Show up and show some support. It’s time for some changes and let’s band together and get this project on the road to fruition!