By Matt de Simone
The Fincastle Library recently received a makeover including beautiful painted murals from local artist Cheyenne Renee. The renovated space includes new paint and carpet, furnishings, murals, cafe area, teen area, LED lighting, display shelving, interior bookdrop, and more in a redesigned space that creates a brighter and more open environment and reflects community usage trends and needs. The murals in the computer and children’s areas celebrate the rich history of the Fincastle area through key historic structures and local natural and agricultural scenery.
County Library Director Julie Phillips recently shared that the library’s core renovations (new paint and carpet) were routine building maintenance needs previously included in the normal county budgeting process. The other improvements (murals, furnishings) were made possible through funding by the Friends of the Library, with a partial funding match from the county’s Library Incentive Fund as approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Photos by Matt de Simone
“We’re grateful to the many people who made this project possible,” Phillips shared. “With some transport help from the sheriff’s trusties, county maintenance staff helped move heavy shelving, furnishings, and over 38,000 books so contractors could put in new carpet and paint. County Technology Services staff helped move computers and make sure everything was connected.
“The Fincastle Library staff, along with some staff from other library branches, planned out the redesigned space, reshelved books, and made sure everything was put back in the right place. Local artist Cheyenne Renee painted the beautiful murals in the computer and children’s areas. Special thanks to the Friends of the Library for generously funding many of these facility enhancements, including murals and furnishings.”
Some other new features include a new rolling display of books upon entry to the library, a new coffee bar, and comfortable seating to relax in while enjoying a beverage or a book. There are also new chairs for individuals to sit comfortably in while surfing the web on one of the library’s computers.
To learn more about Botetourt County Libraries, visit www.botetourtva.gov/161/Libraries.
