A new book return, how's that for excitement at the library? A few months ago I made note that our return was rusting out and started researching replacement costs. Ten years of "weathering" the weather takes a toll on a return. Research on replacement said that I would need to spend approximately $2600 for a new return, not something I really wanted to do, so......I took the issue to our Library Trustees (two are builders in the area) and drew upon their expertise regarding refinishing something like this. They happened to know that there is a powder coating company in Liberty Hill so off I went to call them.
JT took my call and came out the same day to give me a bid and take the return away with him. I chose to have the return painted in a "mocha" color, hoping that would alleviate some of the "do you have a book return" questions I received when the drop was the same color as the limestone building. The color blends with the dark wood trim on the building and is one of my favorites....deep brown with flecks of black. I'd like to say a big thank you to Highpoint Powder Coating for working with us on this refinishing and doing such a wonderful job, as well as saving us some money on the delivery and removal/installation. Highly recommend them. AND....when you are wandering Foundation Park, take note of the purple signs stating things like "Spivey Pavilion". Highpoint did those as well. Nice work!
BUT, the return saga isn't done yet. I have decals that have the International Library symbol on them as well as one that says 'book return' that need to be applies. I refuse to do it because I would make it crooked and have air bubbles underneath, and would then proceed to kick myself black and blue. So....currently waiting for Rich Tulp of Digitex Printing to come put the decals on. He's volunteered to apply them at no cost! LOVE people that see value in our small town library that operates on a puny budget! We do everything we can for the community and when we can save money somewhere, the more YOU get back. (BTW we are NOT a city or county library, read this older post about our funding).