The hammer has dropped on Lawson McGhee Library. On Dec. 3, Shelton General Contractors began a major renovation to update the top three stories of the main library which is located at 500 W. Church Ave. Today, the construction has moved to the main floor and is causing some rearrangement of offices, but normal library operations will continue.

The main goal of the $200,000 project is to create a more inviting space that meets the needs of 21st-century library patrons. All work will be done by Shelton General Contractors and is expected to last several months. The library will remain open throughout the process.

The renovations include relocating the periodicals section from the third floor to the first floor, and converting that space to classroom/meeting area. The second floor computer lab will be relocated to the first floor and be replaced with a "memory lab" to include photo and document scanning stations and an exhibit area. The main floor will be rearranged to include a new reference desk. New amenities will include private consulting rooms for individual and small group use, a consolidated public computer section, and additional space for business reference services and the Books for the Homebound program. The renovation will also include a new circulation desk for checking out materials.

"We are looking forward to this renovation. The newly rearranged service areas will be a vast improvement for our patrons and staff. With many collections shifting to online resources, we are able to take advantage of some space that will better serve the public," commented Myretta Black, Knox County Public Library.