The Vernon Area Public Library will soon undergo renovations that will modernize the library’s space, giving patrons more space and make materials easier to find, officials said.
“People are changing the way they’re using the library,” said Cindy Fuerst, library director.
With e-book use on the rise, libraries are taking the focus off stacks of books and putting more emphasis on technology and meeting spaces.
“Our building is almost 20 years old and just like when you own a house, it’s time to take a look and see if things are fitting and working appropriately for you and staying current,” Fuerst said.
The renovations all started with lighting. The lighting in the library is as old as the building and isn’t bright or efficient enough, Fuerst said.
“We’ve had people bring in their own desk lamps, it’s so bad in some sections,” she said.
The library will install new lights that are 75 percent more efficient. Officials expect the new lights will pay for themselves in about two-and-a-half years. Some of the walls will also be removed.
The stacks also have gotten taller and the collections have grown over 20 years, Fuerst said.
They will rearrange the fiction and non-fiction sections to create better access for patrons. The newer materials and audio-visual materials will take center stage with new shelving that has more covers facing a browsing patron.
Preparations for construction are already underway, but construction won’t actually begin until March 1 and will take place over the following eight to 12 weeks in sections.
The library will be wrapping up some stacks to keep the books safe during renovations so certain areas and collections will not be available for up to a month, but library patrons can head to the Ela Area, Indian Trails and Cook Memorial libraries to check out materials during construction using their library card and ID.
The library is paying for the $500,000 renovation project using money in its reserves.
Library officials would also like to see other changes in the future, including adding a multi-media lab and having a desk dedicated to e-reader circulation with demonstrations. But those additions will take more time and money, Fuerst said.
