We are excited to embark on a new Collection Revitalization project in 2025-26 to improve your access to the collections you love most.
If you have visited the library recently, you will have noticed that this work is already in progress! In summer 2025, we reorganized and consolidated our adult non-fiction shelving to make it easier to access our collections. In the fall, we updated and refinished the lower level "North Room" that formerly housed the 900s range of non-fiction books, with plans to establish "new" collections and furnishings from the first floor in this space in early 2026.
On the first floor, we plan to establish new locations and furnishings to better promote and display our newest and most popular materials. We also plan to relocate your hold materials back to the Circulation lobby at the main entrance for the first time since 2020, adding even greater convenience and staff support to this service. These projects will continue to take place in phases through early 2026, when we plan to wrap this up with improved spaces on the first floor and lower level.
As a result of this project, access to some spaces, services, and collections will be impacted from time to time. We'll keep this page updated with the information you'll need to make the most of your visit in the coming months.
First Floor Updates
This winter, we'll be making some changes to the Recent Arrivals and Circulation areas, as well as the Media Room. Collections are moving, new furnishings and shelving will be installed, and service points will be reoriented. We know that this may bring up questions, and our staff are happy to help orient you to the changes we are making. Please don't hesitate to visit a service desk with your questions. The work will continue in earnest this winter, and we are excited to introduce these changes to the community.
Lower Level Updates
In September, the library contracted professional asbestos abatement in the currently-vacant North Room. That work was safely completed the week of September 15, and staff were able to proceed with additional updates to the space. In October, the North Room and adjacent hallway and staircase were closed while new carpeting was installed and the walls were repaired and painted.
This winter we're looking forward to outfitting the refreshed North Room with "new" furnishings and collections as part of the larger goals of our Collection Revitalization project. In January, staff began relocating and installing shelving units from the Media Room in the North Room to prepare for collection moves in the coming months. We anticipate these projects may not be complete until the spring. In the meantime, the room features additional tables and seating for study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the first and lower level collections being reorganized?
We are reorganizing the first and lower level collections as part of our strategic plan goals to revitalize our collections and reallocate space to facilitate the promotion and accessibility of resources to better serves our patrons.
In 1980, a 3,600 square foot addition was added to the northwest corner of our building. The lower level portion of that addition (the North Room) remained largely unchanged since its construction, and required asbestos abatement and carpet replacement in 2025. The first floor portion of this addition has seen several changes over time, and has been our Media Room since 2010, housing our collection of physical/disc media. In the past 15 years, the way our community uses this portion of the library has changed. While our popular book collections have grown and flourished, our disc media collection has declined in use as demand has decreased.
In 2020, when patron hold materials required expanded space due to patron demand, we relocated the holds to the center "Recent Arrivals" area where there was space to fill the need. In the years since, demand for holds has been sustained while our goal to restore this service to the front entry lobby and revitalize promotion of new books remained. To accommodate this goal and the volume of holds our community carries, new shelving is being installed across from the Circulation Desk.
We are creating more welcoming, flexible, and functional spaces by expanding our new book areas, prioritizing access to our most in-demand collections, making it easier to access holds requests, and creating more reading and study spaces.
How long is the project expected to last?
To minimize disruption, construction and relocations will be completed in phases beginning in August 2025. The project is expected to be finished by late spring 2026.
Will the library stay open?
Yes, the library will remain open throughout the revitalization project phases. Access to collections and spaces will vary during the project, with some spaces remaining in transition due to the phasing. We will have signs posted and staff available to help you get the materials and services you need.
Will there be noise or other disruptions?
While some noise will be unavoidable during the various phases (including floor repairs, light carpentry, and shelving assembly), our goal is to minimize disruptions by doing such work outside open hours and/or our most active hours whenever possible.
Where can I find the most up-to-date information?
See:
- this webpage
- e-newsletters
- in-building signs
Or ask staff anytime - we are always happy to help!
Who can I contact with questions?
Use our Contact Us form, or call 847.256.5025.