Clifton public library to re-open February 26

The Nellie Pederson Civic Library is scheduled to re-open to the public on Monday, February 26.

Library Director Lewis Stansell said the library’s latest remodel is nearly complete after several months.

“We installed the lights last week and the bookshelves in the main part of the library,” he said last Wednesday.

Stansell continued, “This week we had the books moved from the Armory back to the library along with the shelves for the children’s room. We are now in the process of getting the books on the shelves.”

In 2023, the City of Clifton fixed the library’s foundation that had shifted slowly over the years causing cracks in the ceiling and walls.

In late November and early December 2023, city employees began the library’s latest renovation phase by moving the books and furniture to the Armory in Clifton City Park for temporary storage.

Over 400 boxes of books were divided between the Armory and the railroad depot next door to the library for safe keeping.

According to Stansell, the renovation couldn’t have happened at a better time.

“The drywall damage was more extensive than we realized once we had the light fixtures removed,” he said in his February report to the Clifton City Council. “The rest of December was spent repairing drywall, tape, and bedding of repaired areas, retexturing the entire library.”

By mid-January 2024, the crew had finished repainting the library’s interior, and new vinyl flooring was installed, the report said.

About the library

In 1952, the Clifton Civic Improvement Society founded the Nellie Pederson Civic Library, Clifton’s public library.

The library was first located in the basement of Clifton City Hall and later in a small room within the Clifton Civic Center.

In 1999, the civic society moved the library into its current building thanks to a grant from the Clifton Economic Development Corporation, a capital fundraising campaign, and a donation of land behind the civic center.

The City of Clifton now manages and operates the library, with input from the Library Advisory Board whose members include representatives from the city, civic society, and local residents.

Vision and mission

The library’s vision is to incorporate yesterday’s wisdom with today’s knowledge to create tomorrow’s dreams.

The library’s mission is to be the cornerstone of the community, providing information, resources, programs, and services that will educate and enrich the lives of all generations.

The library’s hours of operation are Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m.; the library is closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The library is located at 406 Live Oak Street in Clifton.

For more information, contact the library by phone at (254) 675-6495 or email at cliftonlib@cliftontexas.us.

To view the library’s online card catalog, visit clifton.biblionix.com/ catalog.