Public Library starting renovations

The Monroe County Public Library unveiled its next phase of renovation plans Sept. 12 as it continues to move forward with construction on the building’s first floor.

Included in the plans are a Digital Creativity Center and a designated area for teens. Several rooms and departments will also move to expand building space.

The first phase of renovations began in 2009 with updates to the facility’s children’s department. Since a flood swept into the library through its Grant Street entrance in June 2008, new carpeting was also installed throughout the building to cover the exposed cement.

The facility originally opened in 1970, followed by its first renovation in 1997. In the 43 years of the library’s existence, many improvements have been implemented.

Library Director Sara Laughlin said an addition to the building from the renovation 15 years ago was a drive-up window. Because its previous location was in an awkward spot with a concave curve, customers were unable to drive their car up next to it to return and pick up books and were forced to walk up instead.

Laughlin said an updated drive-up window has been established in the building’s parking lot.

The library’s upcoming renovations, however, will focus on a different perspective. Laughlin said the newest phase of renovations will be directed toward teenagers.

“We felt that teens were an audience we didn’t particularly have an appropriate area for,” Laughlin said. “They’re at a different developmental stage. They’re not children, but they’re not full-fledged adults yet.”

Laughlin said the original plan called for combining the teen area with a Digital Creativity Center, but after talking with both teenagers and digital creative experts, they noticed people of all ages were interested in using the Digital Creativity Center.

“We originally wanted to add a Digital Creativity Center with a space for teens because they have certain ways they communicate,” Laughlin said.

The library’s Digital Creativity Center will provide access to equipment and software for customers to create their own customized projects. This includes recording music in a production studio as well as filming and editing video projects in a green room. Just as customers would normally check out books, Laughlin said they will now be able to create their own projects with top-of-the-line resources.

The library’s teen space will feature a gaming area, cafe and performance stage. In addition to promoting academic studies, a quiet lounge will also be made available.

The Friends of Library Bookstore will also be updated and moved directly across from the building’s atrium, allowing more room for retail space, the children’s books area and new seats. The library’s children’s program room will be expanded and updated as well.

In addition, new meeting rooms ranging from small to large sizes will also be added to the building.

As of now, the library’s Board of Trustees has set aside $830,000 to move forward with these renovations, anticipating about $780,000 for construction costs.

Marilyn Wood, associate library director, said the board is still investigating ways to reduce costs.

“We’re looking at the reuse of furniture that we might have now as one way to cut cost reductions,” Wood said.

Wood also said a general obligation bond and funds previously set aside by the board are available to accommodate the renovation funds.

Bloomington resident Christine Matheu is the project’s architect and previously worked on renovation projects for the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, the Wells Scholars Harlos House at IU and the interior of the Monroe County Courthouse. Matheu said the library is anticipating a summer or fall 2014 completion date.

“It’s all very exciting,” Matheu said. “The teen center and Digital Creativity Center are two new spaces that have never been tried in Bloomington before.”

Follow reporter Brett Frieman on Twitter @brttfrmn.