Regional upgrade

Like most public libraries that are keeping up with technology and demands for more information services, Riverside Regional Library in Jackson needs more space.

In February, the library will move to the former Fred's building on East Jackson Boulevard, more than doubling the space of the library's current location on South Union Street.

The Riverside facility in Jackson is the main library of a regional library system that serves a sizable area with branches in Perryville, Altenburg, Scott City, Benton and Oran.

Riverside has occupied its 8,000-square-foot building since the 1950s.

The new space has 17,000 square feet. In addition, the new facility will have a study area, more books and other materials, plenty of parking, additional services and programs and room for growth.

The move by Riverside Regional Library, along with the expanded Cape Girardeau Public Library (scheduled to open next March) and recent improvements at Kent Library on the Southeast Missouri State University campus, marks major upgrades in library facilities in this area.

These upgrades mean better access to information for students, avid readers and the public in general.