DRAUGHON COMMUNITY ROOM Welcome to the

1972

Federal laws guaranteeing accessibility to persons with handicaps prevented us from using the lower level of the library until accessibility to all patrons could be guaranteed. The lower level became used for storage only.

Yearly growth in our children’s programming, both in numbers of programs held and number of children served, led to a need for additional programming space at the library.

Under the leadership of the library’s Board of Trustees, plans were drawn and a fundraising drive announced to raise necessary funds to renovate the lower level of the library to create additional programming and meeting space.

Fundraising efforts kicked off in March 2013 with donations from Gerald Settles (left), in memory of former library board member Nancy Settles; and from former library board member Bob Depro (below)

Other early donors to our fundraising included (clockwise from top right) the Boyce family, Chapter JU-PEO, the King’s Highway chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Altrusa.

A donation in the amount of $435,000 in late 2013 met our fundraising goal and allowed contracts for construction to be awarded. The donation from the estate of Ann Draughon Matthews was given in memory of her parents, Harris N. and Anna C. Draughon.

A major ongoing fundraiser for the renovation was the Children’s Tile Project. For a small donation, a child could paint a tile to be displayed in the basement. Over two years’ time, a total of 240 tiles for children and adults were decorated.

The first indication that construction was underway was a new wall on the main level to conceal the hole cut in the floor to prepare for an elevator shaft. Actual metal framing of the elevator shaft took place behind the wall and in the lower level.

Brick was removed from the back wall of the library to install the elevator. Once completed, the elevator opens to the main level of the library near the circulation desk, in the young adult section.

The lower level of the library was built in two stages and at two different elevations. A curved ramp with wrought iron accents connects the two levels and allows for accessibility to the platform.

A major goal of the renovation was to respect the history of the original space. The windows, which once provided an outdoor view, were retained and improved, with backlighting to allow for displays.

The platform in the lower level maintains its original shape and size, but has new wood flooring to repair years of damage and wear. The fireplace, while non- working, is still a focal point of the lower level with a fresh coat of paint and newly- built wood mantle.

A major portion of the funding was a donation from the estate of Ann D. Matthews, given in memory of her parents, after whom the room has been named. Additional funds were received from the estate of Paul and Regina Meyer. Funding for furnishings, including 28 tables, 80 chairs, and a lectern, were donated by Gerald Settles in memory of former library board member Nancy Settles.

All individuals, organizations and businesses who donated $100 or more have been recognized on the donor tree, which is located at the base of the stairway on the east side of the lower level. Approximately 160 donors are named on the tree, which was designed by local artist Sheila Bohannon.

With the opening of the Draughon Room, the library gains a 1,000-square foot programming space suitable for school visits, Family Nights, summer reading program, and a variety of library and community programs.