Betty Jain became branch manager in 1970 and oversaw the expansion of the library to its present size of 33,000 feet. The project was funded by a 1985 $1,725,000 bond election. The project added two large meeting rooms, public restrooms, staff office space, and the area that now houses the adult and teen collections, much of the juvenile collection, and the computer training center. The library included a garden atrium in the center of the library.
During the construction of the expanded building, a rain storm hit and destroyed several thousand dollars worth of books. First Baptist Church of Moore allowed the library to use the church’s activity center to dry some of the damaged books. The bad luck continued when the original construction company declared bankruptcy. The building sat for about four months before a new contractor was hired and construction resumed. The new building was finally opened with a proclamation by Mayor Louis Kindrick naming July 19, 1987 Moore Public Library Day.
Jane Lilly succeeded Betty Jain as branch manager in 1991 and oversaw the introduction of an integrated automation system, electronic notification system, and internet connection. Lilly was succeeded by Elizabeth Romero. In 1999, the library received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which provided additional internet computers. The City and local businesses provided funds for the construction and furnishing of the Computer Training Center. The training center allowed the introduction of computer classes for the public.
Lisa Wells became branch manager in 2004. With income from the establishment of many new businesses along the I-35 corridor in Moore, the city was able to allocate more than $300,000 in capital outlay for a library re-design and renovation beginning in May 2005. New carpet and a new customer service desk were installed, the garden atrium was removed and replaced by a comfortable “living room” reading area. A wall of shelves and computer desks was constructed between the children’s and adult areas. By 2007, renovation of restrooms and meeting rooms will be complete.
The Moore Public Library continues as one of the nine branches of the Pioneer Library System, and within the System, is acting as a pilot for RFID and express checkout technologies. It houses 79,462 items and has access to 38 databases from its 30 internet computers and through the PLS website.
Top
