Clay Public Library opens new building

The new 6,000-plus-square-foot Clay Public Library on Old Springville Road opened its doors in time for summer reading on June 2. 

“We’re really excited,” said Library Director Holly Flores. “Honestly, it’s a little surreal. Coming from where we were, it’s kind of like we’re playing big girl library, because it’s this beautiful, functioning space with all of these working computers, and it’s open.”

The building more than doubles the circulation space available in the Jayfe Ware House, which served as the library’s home since 2009. The city announced it will not tear down the 113-year-old Ware farmhouse, but is unsure of its next use at this time. 

Flores said while the library may not purchase new books or media items at this time, patrons can still request to borrow items from other libraries to be picked up in Clay.

A large stone fireplace, with a wood mantle made from one of the property’s trees, serves as the focal point of the open floor plan. Adjacent to the fireplace is a computer station with 10 PCs, flanked by bookracks, study rooms, tables and seating. A 60-seat multipurpose room is one of the most-used new features, allowing the library to host its summer events inside for the first time.

Summer reading will conclude the first week of August, with Friday, Aug. 3 being the last day to check in reading logs and a Summer Reading finale event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, including a dance party from 10 a.m. to noon and a Price is Right game from 12-2 p.m. 

They hope to continue with at least two events per week through the fall, which Flores said could include knitting classes, science classes, homeschool hours, tutoring and more.

For update-to-date info on the library, visit claylibrary.com or follow on Facebook at Clay Public Library.