As strange as this looks, this is not a landing pad for UFO’s at AREA 51 ! It’s actually the roof of the “Breeze-Way” that connects the old library to the brand new learning center at Porterville City College.
Roger Alter, construction superintendent for Lewis Nelson and Son Construction {out of Selma} told the Post, “We started this project around November of 2006 and are scheduled to have it open and ready to use by May 1st 2008.”
How big is this new library the Post asked ?
“We’re looking at about 25,000 square feet with many preparation / utility rooms for the librarians and secretaries. You’re also going to have many computer lab rooms, a few new viewing rooms and many more book shelves for many more books.”
“The total cost for the construction of the new library and some remodeling of the old library, Mr. Alter continues, is set at $14 million. And we’ve held to that figure as best as we could. Most of this funding, I was told, comes from the Kern Community College District.”
Asking if the new learning center was going to be named or dedicated in someone’s name, Mr. Alter stated, “I really don’t know, you’ll need to contact someone at the college”.
According to John Corkins – Kern Community College board trustee and Dr. Rosa Carsolson’s secretary - one of the rooms in the learning center will be dedicated and named after Dr. Orlin Shires, one of Porterville Colleges past president’s who served as president for 20 some odd years.
All-in-all, PC is heading in the right direction with expanding it’s learning centers and educational opportunities. As Porterville grows, so will the educational needs grow.
