Library Circulation Desk: What was old is new again

MORRIS – The Morris Area Public Library is bringing the classic circulation desk back to the community.

In 1913, a Carnegie library was built in Morris. There have been many changes, upgrades, improvements and adjustments over the years, including the demolition of the Carnegie library and the creation of the Morris Area Public Library. One of the only remaining items from the 1913 Carnegie library is a 6-foot section of the original circulation desk.

We are proud to say the Morris Area Public Library is bringing nostalgia back to downtown Morris. We have been working with Woodhill Cabinetry and Design of Ottawa to re-create the rest of the old circulation desk. Using custom-blended stain and solid oak boards, the new sections of the desk will complement the existing Carnegie cabinet. Open bookshelves will be replaced with enclosed cabinets where the door styles will support a cohesive look with the original beadboard lines.

New adjustable shelves have been created with traditional trim and tones. They will be ADA accessible and designed to highlight programs and services the library offers. Quartz countertops, carefully selected to match our carpet, will be durable and withstand years of use for notary services, passports and anything else we can do for our patrons.

More than 100 man-hours went into the re-creation of the desk.

The Morris Area Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 am. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Please stop in to see this new addition to our history.