This item originally appeared in the Oct. 23, 2003, issue of The Tech Talk.

By RAYMOND ADEEKO

Staff Writer

People searching for a more conducive environment for studying and researching can now breathe a sigh of relief as the public library is being relocated.

Lincoln Parish Library is being moved from its old site, located at 509 W. Alabama Ave., to the former Albertson's building, located at 910 N. Trenton St.

Catherine Brown, director of the Lincoln Parish Library, said the relocation is necessary because the old site can no longer fit the programs of the library.

"We are moving because the library has outgrown the [present] facility," Brown said.

"The facility is no longer large enough for the services we want to provide to our users."

Brown said the new site will allow a more favorable environment for the people who utilize the library.

"We would have more hours opened, including increased Sunday hours and a large children's area for storytelling," Brown said.

"We would also have a large sitting room for the public that would seat about 100 people and a nice space area for young adults."

Brown said the renovation of the building is being handled by Walker Construction.

Milton Green, superintendent for Walker Construction, said they have been working on the building for three weeks and have about seven months to complete the project.

Green also said the new building would be entirely remodeled and leveled out to fit the purposes of the library.

"We are going to completely redo everything," Green said. "It's all going to be a one-level building.

"Some parts will be left out as storage or unassigned for leasing to other companies."

Brown said the library should be ready to open by summer 2004.