Moran Library receives steady use in first year

The Moran Prairie Branch Library recently celebrated its one-year anniversary the same way it has spent the past year – quietly serving its patrons.

The red brick building just off busy Regal Street had a steady stream of visitors bustling through its doors.

For five years the branch had operated out of a tiny storefront in the Cedar Canyon Village shopping center. In 2003, voters approved the formation of a Library Capital Facility Area and the issuance of $2.35 million in bonds.

“There’s always been a need for a library on the back of the South Hill,” said Ellen Miller, regional library manager.

Through a series of community meetings, the library staff listened to the dreams area residents had for their new library.

They wanted outdoor seating, quiet space for study and a fun place for kids.

They got all that and more.

On Jan. 9, the doors of the 8,200-square-foot Moran Prairie Library officially opened to the public, and five days later the library hosted a grand opening celebration. For the past year, residents have been enjoying their own state-of-the-art facility.

On a chilly January afternoon Ferris freshman Demetrie Thompson huddled in front of a computer workstation.

“I’m here at least twice a week,” he said, his eyes glued to the computer screen in front of him. “I like it ‘cause I can get on the Internet, and it’s in walking distance of my house.”

From private study rooms that can be used for tutoring, to free public meeting rooms, there’s something for everyone here. Moran Prairie Branch Supervisor Mary Kay Anderson said groups ranging from Boy Scouts to book clubs have used the large meeting room.

A smaller conference room is also available for public use.

The rooms can be booked for any time, even when the library is closed.

“The main concept is this is a community building,” Miller said as a toddler toting two plastic book baskets stumbled past.

A tile pattern in the carpet led from the entryway to the children’s area. Child-size computers and chairs were tucked into a huge wooden tree and cabin.

Cutout clouds dangled from the open ductwork ceiling, and a basket of stuffed animals spilled onto the carpet.

A magnetic poetry board perched on a wall in the teen area of the library. Booth-style seating nestled under large picture windows, and a chess table surrounded by metal stools awaited the next game.

In the “new book” area, retiree Fred Richardson perused the newspaper in a comfortable chair while a small water fountain burbled nearby.

“I’m here once a week,” he said. “I like the friendly staff.”

Nearby, patron Donald Woodard sipped hot cocoa at a small table.

“I come here every day,” he said, then added with a grin, “I sleep here when they’re not looking.”

Miller feels confident the community’s wishes have been honored with the creation of a cozy, comfortable library that invites people to sit and stay.

“We’ve been even busier than we expected,” she said.