May
17, 2001
The Cortez Public Library formally unveils its enlarged
and improved facility this evening in an open house that runs from 5 to
7 p.m. All library patrons are invited, and they’ll have a great deal
to celebrate.
The new look of the library shouldn’t be a surprise to
area readers, because the library staff has accomplished the impressive
feat of keeping the facility open during the remodeling process, coping
with inconvenience, noise, dust and the need to move books and
furnishings to accommodate workers. The cooperation displayed between
the City of Cortez and Southwest Contracting, even when confronted with
unexpected structural difficulties of an older previously remodeled
building, was exemplary.
That cooperation allowed citizens of the city — the
governmental entity responsible for the library — and the rest of
Montezuma County the privilege of checking out materials, conducting
research, studying, utilizing public computers, participating in the
ongoing book sale, and attending community events. A new crop of
youngsters has been able to get acquainted with the pleasure of reading.
Visiting the "new" library is a pleasure
indeed. Welcoming, airy and open, filled with light, it’s a wonderful
place to spend time. It’s obvious that architect R. Michael Bell
listened closely to Library Director Joanie Howland and her colleagues
when they described their dreams for an ideal library. Bell’s design
acknowledges the reality that libraries are much more than warehousing
space for books, and it will provide room for growth as the library’s
mission to be a source of information and ideas evolves to meet the
changing media through which that is accomplished.
Southwest Contracting has executed the design very
attractively while working with the city to maintain a realistic budget.
The partnership of a design firm and a contractor who are familiar with
the area has benefited the library immensely; they deserve to take pride
in the work now that it’s done, and we hope readers will thank them
for their efforts.
It’s great to see such a project come together so
perfectly. This facility is an beautiful and useful asset to Cortez and
to Montezuma County. County residents should be aware of the valuable
benefit provided to them by the City.
Everyone should stop by the library this evening, or
sometime soon, to be a part of what’s happening there. We know you’ll
be impressed.
