By Travis Gettys
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NEWPORT - As the Carnegie building approaches its last day as a library, city officials continue to study possibilities for the historic structure's next purpose.

After more than 100 years at its current site, the Newport branch of the Campbell County Library will close May 1 and reopen May 16 at its new location, 901 E. Sixth St.

Initial discussions have taken place between the city, which owns the building, and Behringer-Crawford Museum, said City Commissioner Beth Fennell.

"Part of our long-term planning would be to create satellite galleries," said Laurie Risch, executive director of the museum in Devou Park.

Although she could not comment on possible exhibits, Risch said input would be sought from Campbell County residents.

"All of our history is interesting," she said. "There are lots of ways to have fun with it."

A library has stood at of Fourth and Monmouth streets since 1902, when the building donated by industrialist Andrew Carnegie was completed.

Officials hope the building, which the city will take control of in June, will continue to serve the public, Fennell said, but only if a cost-effective plan is developed.

KZF Design, a Walnut Hills engineering firm, earlier this year completed a study of the building, which does not comply with government handicap accessibility guidelines.

"At the very least, it's going to need a ramp to the first floor," Fennell said, adding that an elevator would be required for any public use of the second story.

Engineers found no other significant problems with the structure, said City Commissioner Jan Knepshield.

"It's in exceptional condition for its age," he said.

Several art groups have contacted city officials about using the building as a gallery, Fennell said.

Another former Carnegie library found new life as an arts center in 1972, when the Covington branch of the Kenton County Library moved to its current location.

Mary Anne Wehrend, executive director of Carnegie Visual & Performing Arts Center in the old library, is excited by the prospect of an arts showcase.

"You can never have enough arts centers," she said.

E-mail tgettys@enquirer.com