This summer, AAPLD will wrap up its construction/renovation project that began in August 2017. A lot is going on behind the scenes and we are just as excited as you are to finish. In the meantime, we thought we’d answer some questions we’ve been hearing lately from our patrons at the Harnish Main Library:
Where is the online catalog computer that I can use to look up books?
On the upper level, the catalog computer is temporarily located around the corner in the new addition on the blue wall. After our furniture arrives, additional catalog computers will be added near the curved shelving under the cupola and on the column near the large windows.
On the lower level, the two catalog computers across from the Youth Services desk will remain in place. An additional catalog computer is located near the junior non-fiction collection.
Signage will be added on both levels to clearly mark the locations of catalog computers.
Will there be more self checkout stations when the project is complete?
Yes! On the upper level, there will continue to be one self checkout station at the Customer Service desk, and another will be located in the lobby across from the Customer Service desk.
On the lower level, the to self checkout stations across from the Youth Services desk will remain, and an additional self checkout station will be located next to the play area.
Signage will be added on both levels to clearly mark the location of self checkout stations.
Will there be more tables and chairs or other seating available?
Yes! We started receiving some of our new furniture the week of June 11 and will continue to receive furniture through July. Different pieces are being made by different manufacturers and then being delivered and installed by different companies, so items will arrive piecemeal. Once all the new furniture is delivered, you will find new soft seating along the windows and spread around on both levels, tables and chairs that can be used for individual or small group work, a counter-height powered table on the upper level near the large windows, and more!
Where did all the books go, and when will everything be in its permanent location?
Some items, like our Spanish collection and some non-fiction for adults, was put in storage to make it easier to move and adjust collections throughout the project. The Polish collection for adults has been temporarily moved to the Eastgate Branch. Once all of the new shelving has been delivered and installed, collections will be moved to their permanent locations and new shelf signs will be added to make browsing and finding materials easier. We expect this to be completed by the end of July.
Where will the Adult Services desk be located?
The temporary Adult Services desk is currently located in the permanent location. The new desk should arrive by mid-July.
Will we be getting more public computers? Are you going to have more (public) computers?
Our new computer lab will have 20 computers, which will be available for public use when the computer lab is not booked for a class or program. The public area will have 12 computers, which will be available for use any time the library is open.
What is going on in [the new spaces]?
In order to better serve the needs of our patrons, we have added a Makerspace, computer lab, teen center, and quiet reading room on the upper level, and a creation center, new program room, and new play space on the lower level. Once all final construction items are complete and furniture has been installed, these spaces will be open to the public. They may open at different times, depending on the work to be completed and the delivery of furniture.
When will the play area in Youth Services be open?
UPDATED June 15: Our timetable was shifted and we have opened the play area! We were delayed in order to make sure that all projects were complete and safety considerations are made before opening the area. Furniture and play items are available and we will continue to add new furnishings and features through the end of July.
When will the construction project be done?
We have reached substantial completion, which means that all of the major projects and work are complete. In order to fully utilize our new spaces, we need to make sure that all the detail work has been completed and that all safety considerations are made before opening the new spaces. Furniture has begun to be delivered and installed, and that work will continue through July and into August. We anticipate that all work will be completed, all furniture installed, and all spaces open by mid-August, but much is likely to be completed sooner. The library staff is just as excited as our patrons are about being finished with the project and getting on with business as usual!