Panola College breaks
ground on library expansion
Longview News
Journal
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
CARTHAGE — Panola College officials broke ground on a $7 million M.P. Baker Library expansion project that will almost triple the size of the library.
Construction crews are clearing part of the site to construct a 20,200-square-foot building that will be attached to the existing 11,800-square-foot library.
Panola College President Gregory Powell said the library's expansion project could be completed by April 2009, weather permitting.
In addition to the 1,799 students at the college, the library is open to the community and former students, Panola College Director of Library Services Zeny Jett said.
Jett said employees and residents pay $10 for a lifetime membership.
Powell said growth was the main factor for expanding the facility. He said it is long overdue and will be a great asset for the community.
Powell said the word to describe his feeling was "ecstatic."
"I expect the library to be a warm and inviting facility for students to conduct research and study."
Much of the construction is being funded by tuition revenue bonds and private donations.
No tuition increases to students were approved for the project.
Chairwoman of the Panola College Foundation Carol Vincent said the organization has raised a record $500,000 for the facility. She said the organization, made up of alumni, community business members and others, still are raising funds for the construction. She said many members of the group are excited about the construction.
"For the foundation this is quite an accomplishment," Vincent said. " I can't tell you how excited I am about it."
Jett said she's lining up art shows to fill the art gallery when it's completed. She said the new amenities and additions make her feel good about the future of education at Panola College.
"We've had to go through some growing pains," Jett said. "But I think the students realize once the building is complete, it was well worth it."
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