Riverside Regional Library

• A new library building for the Benton Branch began construction in late 2008 by contractor Greg Dittlinger.  Moving took place in May 2009. Movers moved steel shelving from Cape Public Library to Benton the week of May 11-15; set up the shelving; moved furniture and other items AND THE BOOKS! to the new building on Thursday and Friday.  Benton was shut down Tuesday-Saturday, May 12-16, and reopened Monday May 18.

 

• A new library for Jackson was selected by the Board in October 2008 (the former Fred’s store located at 1997 E. Jackson Blvd. in Jackson).  Planning for the move began in November 2008. Moving began March 2, 2009. We opened for business on Monday, April 6, after being shut down for three weeks.  The staff and volunteers worked hard to get everything moved and in place. On Monday, April 13, one week after opening, over 18,000 items were returned and 11,000 items were checked out.  According to the people counter by the door, we had about 750 people visit the new library that day.The new building gave the Main Library more than twice the space (17,028 square feet).  The building is being rented by the library from owner Jim Maevers.  The old hours of 8 am-6 pm were changed to 9 am-7 pm.  Closed again for 4 ½ days in May while steel shelving and other items purchased from Cape Girardeau Public Library were moved to the new building and set up.  The Grand Opening was held Saturday morning, July 11, 2009.  The Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Cape County Board members, Jim Maevers and family, library staff, and the public were in attendance.