Catlettsburg branch of Boyd County library open after remodeling

CATLETTSBURG, Ky. -- After being closed for more than three months for a remodeling, the Catlettsburg branch of the Boyd County Public Library was back in business Thursday.

"I love it," said wheelchair-bound Em Stevens of Catlettsburg. "I'm in here two or three times a week. I get books and play on the computer. They'll order books for me. It's just a wonderful place. It's very convenient."

The branch has been closed since last October for an extensive remodeling that cost about $170,000, said Barbara Biggs, Catlettsburg branch manager.

"The reaction to the remodeling has been positive," she said. "We have a new meeting room, ADA-compliant restrooms; we have a large collection of DVDs, large-print books, Xbox, Wii and PlayStation games."

The branch library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays. It is closed Sunday, Biggs said.

"They have a lot more variety of movies, and they're in better shape," said Sara Ball of Ashland. "It's small, but it's cute and neat, and the people are friendly."

Bob Duggan, a Catlettsburg lawyer, said the branch library is a frequent stop for him. "It's between my office and the courthouse," he said. "I stop by all the time. I'm glad to see it back open."

The Boyd County Library earlier this month received an exemplary rating from the Kentucky Public Library Association, the highest rating the organization gives. It was one of only five in Kentucky to get the rating.

"This award represents many hours of hard work and planning by those who are dedicated to providing the best possible library system for the people of Boyd County," Debbie Johnson, president of the library's board of trustees, said in a prepared release.

"We have a terrific library that offers so much," said Debbie Cosper, director of the county library.