JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the grand re-opening of the Weapons Station Branch Library May 7, 2013, at building 732 on Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Col. Richard McComb, JB Charleston commander, gave opening remarks for the ceremony and cut the ribbon to open the library.
The library was closed from Sept. 17, 2012 to Oct. 5, 2012, for renovations, according to Angela Aschenbrenner, JB Charleston Libraries director. From Oct. 5, 2012 to March 23, 2013, the library was temporarily set up at building 731.
Due to the renovations, the library had to be moved to a new location for a period of time.
"The original quote we got for moving the library to the temporary location, unpacking and then moving the library back and unpacking was estimated at approximately $90,000," said Aschenbrenner.
Instead, a 20 - 25 Sailor detail was used for each move. The library was closed for six weeks during each move.
"Sailors from the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, who were on graduation hold waiting orders for their next assignment, were utilized and were able to save the wing $90,000 in funds," Aschenbrenner said.
In addition, JB Charleston's Airman Leadership School students came out and volunteered to unpack and prepare for the May 7 grand re-opening.
Some of the renovations to the library included updating the library to meet networking/connectivity and electrical needs of a modern day library. Also, carpeting was installed, sheetrock was installed, the entire building was painted and the bathrooms were renovated and brought up to code.
Along with two new additional staff members, the library received new equipment, such as computers, printers and copiers. Also, new materials were added including books, DVDs, Blu-rays, videogames and audiobooks.
"This has been a challenging project with many hands involved to make it happen," said Aschenbrenner. "I am thrilled to see so much hard work result in something so great for our customers. I have no doubt that JB Charleston customers will be thrilled with the extensive changes that have occurred at the Weapons Station Branch Library."
Aschenbrenner added, that since joint basing, the usage of the WS Branch Library has more than doubled. She also believes the building upgrades will increase patronage.
The library is open to all active-duty members, their family members, reservists, civilian employees, contractors with long-term badges and retirees.
Operating hours for the WS Branch Library are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
For more information on the JB Charleston - Weapons Station Library, call 843-764-7900.