Construction and Expansion of the Bellaire Public Library

Construction and Expansion of the Bellaire Public Library (all photos property of Bellaire Public Library)
	The library was closed from July 11th to August 11th in 1999 to move our books from the "old" part of the building to the new addition. Then we closed for the month of October, to move some of our library materials back to our newly remodeled "old" library. We are now more then double our previous size, with new features. THE NEW ADDITION After 30 years, the need for more space was evident. A new addition to the library and a remodeling of the old building was done in 1998-2000. The Mellott Trust had wisely invested the money left from the Mellott brothers to the extent that there was enough money to build a new building and remodel the original 1959 building. Local architect William Hooker was hired. The total square footage is 20,000 square feet. The building project cost was $1.6 million dollars, which is entirely private money from the Mellott Trust. Among the features of the new building are an atrium with a pop-up roof. The pop-up roof allows indirect sunlight to enter the building and provide natural light for the 1st and 2nd floors in the new building. There are extensive provisions made to prevent fire, and if a fire starts, the fire alarm system monitors the building 24 hours a day, and automatically notifies the Bellaire Fire Department. The flooring in the areas that receive heavy use are made of Vermont slate. The wood throughout the new and remodeled building is natural oak. The glass areas around the atrium on the second floor and in the new stairways is a durable glass and is modeled after the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. The shelving is very strong and is manufactured by a company founded by Melvile Dewey, who is famous for inventing the Dewey Decimal System used to arrange the books in many libraries. Currently, the library has about 53,000 books. The capacity of the new library is approximately 90,000 books. The Children's Area is now in the basement of the new building. It now allows the books, audio books, periodicals and other library materials to be housed next to a new storyhour room for children. It also has a separate "child-sized" restroom and water fountain. Children can now be a little noisy, without disturbing those who would like a quiet area to read. The lighting in the main reading area and the Children’s room is indirect light that is ideal for reading. The new building is wired for computers. The new building also has a fireplace and comfortable chairs for a relaxed adult reading area. There is also a parking lot, and elevator, and is completely handicapped accessible. This building project provides more space, an attractive environment, and will serve the patrons of the Ohio Valley for many years.