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PERSONAL FINANCE

Living in a library

When Jonathan Huff, left, and Randy Brazee saw an old library for sale, they immediately pictured their home. Tour their Kirkwood, Ga., home to see how they transformed a 1942 building with a 1976 addition.
When Jonathan Huff, left, and Randy Brazee saw an old library for sale, they immediately pictured their home. Tour their Kirkwood, Ga., home to see how they transformed a 1942 building with a 1976 addition.
Christopher Oquendo
The brick and stone exterior still resonates with 1940s charm.
The brick and stone exterior still resonates with 1940s charm.
Christopher Oquendo
The large open hall that greeted generations of library visitors is still one giant room—??living room on one end, dining room on the other—??lined with original bookshelves.
The large open hall that greeted generations of library visitors is still one giant room—??living room on one end, dining room on the other—??lined with original bookshelves.
Christopher Oquendo
The view of the dining room from the living room.
The view of the dining room from the living room.
Christopher Oquendo
They created comfortable spaces throughout the former library.
They created comfortable spaces throughout the former library.
Christopher Oquendo
The living room includes a piano—and more books.
The living room includes a piano—and more books.
Christopher Oquendo
They even made room for a pool table.
They even made room for a pool table.
Christopher Oquendo
The owners did not overlook mementos that could be salvaged. They saved a book-return bin, a "Staff Only" sign from a door and the only remaining books left behindâ??three large tomes from the Library of Congress.
The owners did not overlook mementos that could be salvaged. They saved a book-return bin, a "Staff Only" sign from a door and the only remaining books left behindâ??three large tomes from the Library of Congress.
Christopher Oquendo
The past is still present in their home, down to the details of the old signage.
The past is still present in their home, down to the details of the old signage.
Christopher Oquendo
They also used reclaimed pieces, including the large mirror framed with embossed crown molding from a car dealership.
They also used reclaimed pieces, including the large mirror framed with embossed crown molding from a car dealership.
Christopher Oquendo
A period bank serves as a side table.
A period bank serves as a side table.
Christopher Oquendo
They installed a pool and hot tub in 2000.
They installed a pool and hot tub in 2000.
Christopher Oquendo
Get USA TODAY's Home magazine for more DIY ideas at onlinestore.usatoday.com.
Get USA TODAY's Home magazine for more DIY ideas at onlinestore.usatoday.com.
Photo By Lisa Monteagudo
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