Library Upgrades in Tennessee Include New, Bigger Elevator

City officials in Kingsport, Tennessee, have a popular, 90-year-old library that’s in need of major upgrading, including replacement of its elevator, TimeNews reports. Problems at the historic building include book overflows in the children’s section, doors that are difficult for people with strollers or disabilities and the too-small elevator that’s prone to breaking down constantly. A plan to get the work going is underway but will include a tag expense of estimated US$4.7 million to get all of the work completed, according to Chris Markley, manager of the library. A major project is the elevator, which has provided continuous usage problems. “The elevator is extremely, extremely old,” Markley said, noting that the unit often breaks down. The lift, she said, is so old, it’s hard to find parts. When repair parts are found, they usually are expensive. The building is a former U.S. Post Office building built in 1931, and the library has sat there since 1961. It has since been renovated in 1981 and 1993, Markley said, adding that very little building work has gone on in nearly 30 years. A project scheduled was not immediately estimated.