Public Library begins renovations

The Monroe County Public Library on Kirkwood Avenue started a renovation this month that is scheduled to last for up to 12 months.

Projects include replacement of flooring, a relocation of the drive-up window, a new checkout and circulation area, changes to the VITAL area and changes to the public computer area.

“During this time, there will be occasional closings as well as some moving around,” project manager Mickey Needham said.

The library managers decided to undergo these changes because their current facility is not up-to-date.

“Our carpet and our finishes are reflecting 12-plus years of major wear and tear that has just aged in many, many ways,” Needham said.

The other reason the library is renovating its facility is because of sheer volume.

“Our circulation keeps going up and up, but we don’t have enough money in the budget to hire new staff,” Needham said. “We have to improve our process so that it will become more efficient so that we won’t have to hire new staff.”

Throughout the process of the renovation, people can expect a lot of new changes, Needham said.

“The children’s area will have new flooring, new finishes and added shelving,” Needham said. “There will be a new circulation area on the first floor.”

Needham also said the drive-up window will be moved to the back and the circulation and checkout area will be moved to the front. The VITAL program will get a bigger tutoring space.

Freshman Deanna Allbrittin said the changes at the library will benefit her.

“For me, aesthetically, the changes will help because I sit in there for long periods of time and just read,” Allbrittin said.

As for funding this project, the money will not come from added taxes.

“We got approved by the county officials to use the capital projects fund,” Needham said.

Needham reiterated that throughout the renovations, the library will continue as usual.

However, Margaret Harter, the community relations coordinator for the library said in an e-mail that the parking lot at Sixth and Lincoln streets will be closed Friday and Saturday so they can start preparing the lot for the new drive-up window to open next spring. She also said that Children’s Services is offering limited services in November and December while its space is being renovated.

“All of these changes are temporary,” Needham said, “and we are working as hard as we can to make sure people get what they need during this time.”