Bryan Library Restoration

When the fire occurred, I was reminded of the novel that begins, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times". While I would never recommend a fire, as the trauma of such a devastating event and the criminal trial were almost overwhelming, one should always look on the positive side and appreciate how reconstruction resulted in a more beautiful library. The arsonist's trial was moved to Marlin to give him a fair trial. As the victim, I was called to the stand to testify as to the magnitude and cost of damages, the extent of the work to restore the building, and the sense of loss suffered by the community. The challenge of asbestos abatement, new carpet, new fabric walls, reupholstering and refinishing the furniture, cleaning the smoke and soot from 10,000 boxes full of books and materials, and all the other tasks was really one formidable responsibility I hope never to have again. The support from the entire community at the time provided the project leaders the encouragement to move faster than predicted. Citizens contributed more than $60,000 to the Friends of the Library to help restore the Bryan Library. Part of the money paid the city's deductible insurance costs of $25,000.

Carnegie Restoration

The restoration of the Carnegie was the most significant project of my library career. The library was rededicated July 10, 1999 after a soft opening in June. More than 300 people attended the historic occasion and helped carry the final 30 books into the Carnegie. To define its new purpose, the name was changed to Carnegie Center of Brazos Valley History.

The Library Board and the Friends of the Library added support to the council resolution that the Carnegie Library, the oldest of 11 still standing in Texas, be restored to be used to provide additional space for the Bryan Library. An ISTEA grant came along making the project feasible. Moving the genealogy collection, historic photographs, documents, the Ana Ludmilla Gee ballet collection, rare books and Texana items freed space needed for the main library collection of current material. Genealogy has become one of the most popular hobbies in the United States today. The Library inherited $150,000 from the Ed and Billie Madeley estate to be used to increase the Carnegie collection of family history materials. The city committed to paving the "road" behind the Carnegie and enhanced it with curbs, gutters, landscaping and historic lighting. It is marked with a sign that calls it the Carnegie Alley.

The Carnegie has public access computers for genealogists to search the Internet for their family history. The second floor is devoted to the genealogy collection. In May of 2007 a new piece of sculpture will be placed in front of the Carnegie Xeriscape Garden. The artist, Lynn Haste has created Andrew Carnegie reading to two children. They are seated on a bench that has room for real children to sit on either side for an historical picture. Mr. Carnegie is reading "Treasure Island." The City of Bryan, the Friends of the Library and the Arts Council are sponsors of the sculpture. Across Main St. is another sculpture, the Bryan Bomber, also created by Lynn Haste. This new one is called "Treasured Moments."

Dick and Jayne Perkins help start the Carnegie reconstruction

Furnishings originally in the Carnegie were refinished for use on the first floor. Early day pictures of Mayors were returned to the walls of the Carnegie entrance.