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Library Sees Bright Future

Tribune photo by JAMIE PILARCZYK

Bill Ambrose of Cousins Electrical enhances the lighting fixtures at the Charles J. Fendig Library. The additional lighting will help illuminate the high ceilings.

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

PALMA CEIA WEST - Bright lights and enhanced ceilings are planned for Charles J. Fendig Public Library, part of an ongoing effort to spruce up the 48-year-old library.

Since July 24, electricians have been adding and upgrading lighting in the high ceilings in each of the library's four pods. Cracked, missing and aging ceiling tiles also will be replaced.

"The ceiling is original to the building, and the tiles are just old and have collected a lot of dirt over the years," said Suzy George, capital projects manager for the county's libraries.

In 2004, the library, 3909 W. Neptune St., received a face-lift with new carpets and furniture. This phase, totaling $150,000, is a continuation of that project.

"Everything has been fine," head librarian Brian Mahoney said. "It will be a nice improvement."

Portions of the library's collection have been inaccessible to the public since work began, but George said staff "will help retrieve books in areas undergoing work on the lighting."

The library will close from Aug. 18 until noon Sept. 8, when work on the central circulation area will have been completed.

George recommends patrons use nearby libraries, including John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive; Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 391 S. Manhattan Ave.; and Port Tampa City Library, 4902 Commerce St.

All hold requests will be sent to the Platt library.

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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