THOMASVILLE—After years of planning, the Thomas County Public Library is set to begin a three-month renovation following the Thanksgiving holidays.

During the construction and renovation of the library, patrons will visit the Flipper Room, where a smaller version of the library with limited services will be offered. The Flipper Room has already undergone renovations and was the pilot project for the multi-phase renovation.

“We wanted to see how it looked and then take that vision and expand it for the entire library,” said Library Director Derek Kolb.

The Flipper Room will have public computers and materials for each age.

“Staff will be available in the Flipper Room for some of the basic services to drop off materials or questions about your library account,” Kolb said.

He also emphasized new materials and collections for the regional library system will be delivered regularly, so there will be constant choices, just not as many as were available in the main library.

Operations will continue in the Flipper Room throughout January, as the main library receives needed upgrades.

“It’s going to be more or less a refresh and update of the library,” Kolb said.

The library will have new LED lighting, fresh coats of paint, vinyl-planked wood floors, updated technology, and a new service desk.

“We want to have another service desk so we can have staff closer to patrons,” Kolb said. “We want to service their needs without them having to travel from one end of the library to another.”

Kolb said the main goal of the renovation is to create an enhanced customer service experience, with all patrons having close proximity to help when needed.

Children and teens can also look forward to a new entryway.

While Kolb has not seen the final plans, the entryway that currently has doors leading to the children’s section, story time room, and teen room will be demolished, opening up the space with new archways.

“I’ve asked them to give us a wow factor,” he said. “I want children and teens to walk in and know that’s their spot and they can head over there. We are eliminating the doors to make it more free-flowing, and it doesn’t make them feel so separated.”

Additionally, staff will have a new boardroom dedicated to The Rev. Dr. I.L. Mullins. Once completed, Kolb said the library will host a naming ceremony, honoring Mullins’ legacy.

Kolb also hopes to highlight the Heisman Trophy and the bust of Henry Flipper.

“We want to bring the Heisman Trophy up front and center because it is so special,” he said. “We are probably the only library in the country that has a Heisman Trophy, and so many people want to see it, so why not make it a focal point?”

The Heisman Trophy will be surrounded by mural paintings of Thomasville and Thomas County.

An alcove has been carved out in the updated Flipper Room to place the bust of Henry Flipper.

“There’s nothing like it, so we wanted to use the upgrades to highlight these special things we have to offer,” Kolb said.

Kolb is also looking into charging stations for patrons.

Following Hurricane Helene, Kolb saw individuals from across the region pour into the library to use the available Wifi to message their family and friends. Most were also looking for a way to charge their devices.

“We were looking at how to enhance our space for not only today, but for when things happen,” he said.

While the physical changes will be obvious, Kolb assured the staff has not forgotten about the collections and bestsellers patrons often seek. He noted that during the renovation the library will not be able to order as many books due to a lack of space, but have intentions to double up concluding the construction project.

Due to a smaller space and limited staff during the project, hours will now be on Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.

All construction projects are set to be completed by May 1, prior to the kickoff of the summer reading program.