New Central Library check-out area takes shape.

We’re saying our last goodbyes this week to the big green circulation desk that has anchored the first floor of Central Library since the early 1990s.

In its place–actually about 15 feet to the south–will be a nifty new wood-veneered staff station for handling questions and face-to-face “circ” transactions.

As to the self-check machines we’ve gotten to know well the last few years, they’re leaving the big old green desk and heading east about ten feet to rest on the new bank of counter spaces that were just installed between the pillars and against the new circulation area wall.

All this shifting will free up lots of room for seating, browsing new books and making your way across the building.

As we’ve said a lot this year, thanks for continuing to pardon our dust. 

Learn more about 2013 Renovations at Central Library.

New Service Desks, Better Flow

The next time you stop by Central Library, you’ll find more room to roam.

That’s because the bulky old second floor reference desk has left the building, to be replaced by a smaller, sleeker help desk on the north side and a new librarian assistance/reference station on the south side. 

Head downstairs and in a few weeks you’ll see the old circulation desk has been retired in favor of a streamlined counter of self-service stations, anchored at the south end by a staff assistance area. The obsolete A/V desk will be removed and the Welcome Desk is being relocated toward the east wall, freeing up more prime space.

And say “good-bye” to the trio of big book drop boxes. They’ll soon be gone, in favor of return slots on the wall that lead directly to the circulation processing area behind.

Among the benefits of this new design: More new book displays, more seating and a new home for the Digital Projects Lab, which will be built in a few months adjacent to the Center for Local History. And staff will no longer have to lug bins of returns weighing hundreds of pounds.

Even the Auditorium lobby will feel roomier too as the old curved ticket/info desk has taken a final bow.

As always, thanks for your patience in pardoning our dust. Central will soon be even better able to handle the needs of 21st century library users like you.

Learn more about 2013 Renovations at Central Library.

 

Ask-a-Librarian Now Closer to the Collection

The Central Library renovation project isn’t getting the summer off.

With the start of July, reference staff and materials have moved to the south side of the building while magazines have a new home on the north side. The goal is improved service and simplified walking patterns across the second floor.

If the Ask-a-Librarian furniture looks a bit small and temporary, that’s because new pieces are on order and will be installed in coming weeks.

The always popular bank of public computers is staying right where it’s been but you should soon find it easier to sign in and get assistance from a nearby, soon-to-be-installed help desk.

We’re also trying some new, easy-to-read signs regarding quiet zones in the building. Let us know what you think.

Thanks for continuing to “pardon our dust” as the project moves forward. As always, don’t hesitate to ask Library staff and volunteers for assistance.

UPDATED May 13: The Central Library parking garage will be closed again for maintenance beginning Tuesday, May 14. At the latest, the garage is expected to reopen Saturday, May 18.

The Central Library underground parking garage will be closed Monday, May 6 through Friday, May 10 for resealing and restriping work.

On-site parking will still be available but limited in the east parking lot and the smaller north parking lot. Central Library users are always encouraged to consider public transportation options or walking or biking and especially the week of May 6.

Sections of the Central parking garage may remain inaccessible the week of May 12 if some work still needs to be completed.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during Central Library’s ongoing renovation work this year.

More renovations are coming soon to Central Library.

By the end of April, Central’s DVDs and CDs for adults will be relocated to the second floor near the book stacks. This means you’ll no longer have to hunt both upstairs and downstairs for “Upstairs, Downstairs” on disk and in print.

We think you’ll find even better convenience and service having the A/V and print collections for adults on the same level.

It’s all part of the ongoing project we mentioned a few months ago. Thanks for continuing to “pardon our dust.”

 

Work has begun on Central Library’s first major interior upgrades since the early 1990s.

That includes painting, carpeting, moving some shelving, installing more user-friendly desks and new signage. The goal is to give you better access to library materials and services in a more comfortable environment. We think you’ll like it.

We plan to keep disruptions to a minimum with the project completed sometime this fall. Please speak with staff if you need any assistance.

Because of the work, Central’s Quiet Study Room is needed as a staff/staging room and has to be closed to the public for the duration. We’re sorry for any inconvenience and hope patrons will use the many other designated quiet areas in the building.

Thanks for your patience and understanding and keep checking back for updates.

The Library thanks the County Department of Environmental Services for overseeing this project.