1.    Why are you rearranging again?   It seems like you are always moving things around!

This rearrangement is the last phase in a multi-year project to improve use of our space and avoid an addition for as long as possible.   It began with a space utilization study in 2003.  It has been done in phases to keep costs down and give us a chance to evaluate changes incrementally.  Our goals are to make the best use of our space, prepare for growth in collections and technology, make the Library convenient for all,  and provide a welcoming environment.   We do not have any more major changes planned.

2.    When is this happening?  Will the Library be open?

We are not planning an overall closure for this project.  Particular areas may be closed temporarily for safety reasons as we move shelving and materials.   Originally we were planning on closing Feb 21-26 but we have gotten so much accomplished, thanks to the efforts of our wonderful Library and Public Works staff, that closing isn't necessary.

3.    What is happening with the Youth Services Department?

We are moving the Easy books back to their original location near the Youth Activity Room and the family restrooms.   When we moved that collection a few years ago, the plan was to relocate the Youth Activity Room to the center of the building, and the staff workroom to the rear, but we decided that would be an unnecessary expense.   We also heard from parents that they preferred being closer to the restrooms and in a bit more enclosed space.   After evaluating and using the collection for a few years, we decided it was a better use of space to keep the Youth Activity Room where it was and to move the Easy books back to the front of the building.

We are also moving the Youth magazine collection to a more visible space that will increase awareness of and usage of that collection.

The other major change in Youth is the relocation of the TeenScape area to where the Easy books were.  This department will be in between the adult holds area and the children's area, providing a buffer between adult and youth collections, and close to the heavily used audiovisual area.  More teen computers will be added.

The Youth Services desk will move more to the center of the Youth Services space.

4.    What other collections are moving?

New books will be on the stairway wall in the lobby, providing quick access to this popular collection

Holds to be picked up will go along the arcade wall in the northwest part of the building. This arrangement will make it easier to find your hold without having to navigate several sections, and will make the lobby more open and welcoming.

New books and holds will be near express self check machines, making that visit to get a couple of new books fast and convenient.  You will even be able to pay fines at express self  check!

Audiovisual materials for teens and adults (DVDs, music CDs, books on CD and cassette, Playaways) will be close together near the holds, and adjacent to the dispensing machines where many of the music CDs and feature film DVDs are stored until checkout.  These dispensing machines protect your investment in the collection by allowing access to the discs themselves only after they have been checked out.

A small service desk will be located near the holds and audiovisual area to provide staff assistance.  The present red main service desk in the lobby will stay where it is.

The Spanish collection for children and adults will be in one combined location in the area where the music CDs were before.

Back issues of magazines will be condensed into one part of the entrance to the Belluschi Wing, providing a more welcoming entrance to the historic part of the Library.

5.    What else is happening?

In the lobby we will add comfortable seating, book displays, and an information center.   We will also improve signage.  Some of those changes will come a bit later.  Repainting has already occurred to help maintain our Library, which is visited by 2,000 people daily.

6.    How much will all this cost, anyway?

Our total budget from taxpayer dollars was about $36,500, mostly for shelving.  Our fabulous Public Works staff and Library staff have done much of the work in-house, saving thousands. We received about $14,000 in  direct gifts to the Library, and the Friends and Foundation have committed $20,000 and $15,000 to the project, respectively.  So far we have spent only about $28,000 of tax money and $11,000 from the Friends.  Rearranging is much less expensive than a building addition.

7.    Where can I get more information?

Call the Library Director, Carolyn Rawles-Heiser, at 766-6928.

8. How can you afford things like the new art piece and digital sign when you are cutting hours?

Both of these projects were funded by the Library Foundation, a separate nonprofit organization which raises money to provide items and services beyond what our normal budget can afford.   Donors frequently specify how they want their donations spent.  The Foundation, and its sister organization, Friends of the Library,  provide much help to the library but there is no way they would ever have the funds to pay for our day to day operations.    Both the Friends and the Foundation gave extensive support to our multi-year project to rearrange the Library and make it more welcoming and efficient.