Here’s another cool liquidated Borders store conversion story. The Pioneer Library System in Oklahoma is buying up a 25,000 square foot Borders store and turning it into their new book master control system headquarters.

The Oklahoman reports that the Pioneer Library System board of trustees approved a $1.6 million special purchase of the facility, which has lots of features that make it very appealing for a library system. It’s located right next to I-35 and has several loading docks, which make it perfect for transferring books between the various libraries under the Pioneer umbrella.

They are also considering moving administrative offices, which have been scattered around in multiple locations, like an old movie theater, into one consolidated spot. In the case of the theater, the library system would then save about $66,000 a year in leasing fees. The book box and book lockers could also be moved in.

“The system has been saving for an opportunity like this. The location, design and architectural features of the former bookstore are ideally suited to the needs of the library system,” Pioneer Director Anne Masters told The Oklahoman.

A well-maintained facility like that, which has been designed for handling books, is really a rare find for a local library system. It’s cool to see that old Borders locations keep getting a new lease on life in ways that can benefit their local communities, and even keep promoting literature and literacy, and not just as depots for mass-market Halloween costumes.

Pioneer Library System to buy Borders bookstore building in Norman [The Oklahoman] (Thanks to Jason!)

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