Library Interior Design Project Completed

Last fall, the Northwest Georgia Regional Library asked the Dalton-Whitfield Archway Partnership for assistance in creating a Workforce Development Center in the ground level of the Dalton library.  With an eye towards a promising grant opportunity, the library specifically asked for help developing a functional design plan for the space that would utilize existing resources and amenities but create a bright new space for learning.

After conversations with Archway Coordinator of Operations, Sue Chapman,  Associate Director and Interior Design Chair of the Lamar Dodd School of Art, Thom Houser, volunteered for the task.  Dr. Houser traveled to Dalton in December to meet with library staff and tour the room contemplated for the redesign.  He then returned to Athens, where he and Linda Floyd, Northwest Georgia Regional Library Director, continued their work long-distance.

In February, Professor Houser returned to Dalton to share the final plans with Linda Floyd and Library Board Chair, Tangela Johnson.  “The plans far exceeded our expectations, including every element we had requested while allowing the space to flow seamlessly,” said Linda Floyd.  “The Library Board is very appreciative of everything Archway and Professor Houser have done to help facilitate this project!”  These plans were presented to an anonymous, generous donor who has matched a State Legislative approved Allocation of $100,000 with the required $100,000.  Construction on the project should begin this summer. 

The new center will house: one large and one small classroom, tutoring rooms, a collaborative workspace with table and computers, a technology helpdesk with library staff, a comfortable seating area with electrical outlets for laptops and other wireless device usage, copy and fax machines, and printers.  This will be a state-of-the art learning facility open to the public with free classes.   

Linda Floyd (center), stands with Thom Houser at a planning meeting.