Library opens doors to public

Librarian Amy Johnson checks in books at the new circulation desk, made from local curly cherry wood with a bluestone counter. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON

Librarian Amy Johnson checks in books at the new circulation desk, made from local curly cherry wood with a bluestone counter. STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON

The Montrose Branch of the Susquehanna County Library opened its doors at its new site on Monday morning, July 17.
The new facility welcomes patrons with its natural décor and comfortable seating which provides more of a “book store” atmosphere.
Library administrator Susan Stone said she can envision spending a cold winter’s evening reading a book or magazine in one of the stuffed chairs situated in front of the fireplace.
Visitors are greeting in the lobby with the “Giving Tree” and

Opening day patrons spend some time looking at the Giving Tree in the library lobby. The tree leaves denote names of the building donors.

its individual hand-carved leaves by woodworking artist George Manns.
The fireplace was donated by George and Nan Conner of Tall Pines Farm and the mantle designed by Ben Manns, who also constructed the circulation desk.
Stone said the 21,000 square-foot building was designed by Thomas Horlacher, a Scranton-based architect, and credits him with creating the look and feel of the space. “He did a fantastic job,” she said.
In contrast to the former site in Montrose, the new building offers up space enough to house a Young Adult section, as well as an expanded children’s section and Story Hour room.
There is also a community room, with space to accommodate 100 people for a function or meeting.
Stone also said the new magazine racks were one of her favorite additions. Current issues are displayed on the rack, with past issues available simply by lifting the shelf.
“We used to have to run downstairs to get back issues of magazines,” Stone said.
Stone said the move was a little bittersweet. “I was both crying and laughing,” she said. Of the old library, she said, “I grew up there.”

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