Kent County Library 20/20 Project Phase Two Completed with Ribbon Cutting

While many Libraries are struggling Kent County Library has found a way to flourish. This has been accomplished by listening to the public and to make changes in ways that support the needs of the public.

The Library held a ribbon cutting on September 12, 2018 as Phase Two of “Project 20/20 has come to completion. Phase One was not one that would be noticeable to the average patron since it included an upgrade to the HVAC system and improving the rest rooms.

Phase Two brought changes to the children’s area and the area that once held computers. The computers are still there and use everyday. The Children’s area became more children friendly and there is now a new Collaborative Area.

During her introduction Head Librarian Jackie Adams said that “Project 20/20, started in 2015, is a five-year plan undertaken to update the interior of the Chestertown Branch to better meet the educational, technological, social, and economic needs of our community through modernization, creating flexible use spaces, and ensuring ADA compliance. Its aim is to create an exciting place of discovery and connection that will accommodate future needs of all in the community.”

Monies to support the project came from the State of Maryland, Kent County Government, Friends of the Library and the Library Foundations. Board of Trustees President Joe Hardy and Adams gave a large thanks to the Friends of the Library and the Library Foundation for filling in the gaps including funding of a wooden bench by Bob Ortiz and paintings by Faith Wilson that are hanging in the Children’s Area.

Those in attendance for the Ribbon Cutting included members of the Library’s Board of Trustees, Friends of the Library Board, the Library Foundation, Delegate Jay Jacobs, Commissioners Ron Fithian and Billy Short.