The Library is embarking on the next phase of its ongoing refresh of the second floor. This is the lone public department that has not been updated since our building was erected in 2007, and as we know, quite a bit has changed since then!
What’s being updated?
- We will be updating a long-underutilized area of the second floor—the former Quiet Reading Room. That space has been a deactivated Quiet Zone since 2024.
- Shelving will be shifted
- Carpeting on the north side of the floor will be replaced
- Old furniture will be replaced with new, comfortable seating
Why are you making these updates?
- Since the building opened in 2007, the Library has seen a steady increase in use of the physical building. In fiscal year 2025, the Library had more than 157,000 visits.
- After almost 20 years of use, carpeting and furniture need replacing. New and improved seating options will be available, and furniture will utilize more sustainable fabrics and materials.
- Our current shelving arrangement leads to small aisles that are challenging to navigate, as well as sun fading of materials. Therefore, we will be rearranging the shelves to make our space more accessible and to maximize the life of our labels and books.
- More power outlets/charging stations will be added to accommodate the rise in technology use.
- More browsable periodical collection
What is the Second Floor Rejuvenation Plan?
This is actually step 3 in a multi-year plan to make the second floor match the brighter, more welcoming feel of the first floor. In 2024-2025, the Library Board completed a long-term Facilities Improvement Plan, and previous second floor updates have included:
- New shelving for our Large Type collection to make it more accessible
- New shelving for music and DVD/Blu-Ray
- Integrating the Teen Collection from the northwest room into the main area to create a teen-focused lounge and work space (which has been well utilized!)
- New feature display at top of the stairs
- Step 3 (NOW!) is rejuvenating the underutilized former Quiet Reading Room into the Cossitt Room. The updated space will feature cozy, new seating, new and improved work tables with access to power, and a feature wall to highlight rotating collections.
Future Plans for the Second Floor:
- Replace shelving for a brighter, more browsable feel
- Additional study rooms with improved technology options
- A Business Center with additional seating, workspaces and technology
When will the project begin?
- The project will begin Thursday, August 13, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude in December 2026.
Will there be an additional cost to the taxpayer?
- This project is being paid for from the Library’s regular budget and taxpayers will see no additional costs.
- The Library Board of Trustees approved a cost of up-to, but not to exceed $390,000.
How will the project impact patrons?
- The Library building will be closed to in-person visits on August 13 and 14, but the Holds Pick-Up Window will be open from 9:00am-5:00pm and the outdoor Book Drop is available at any time. The Library should remain open for the following duration of the project. The Library Board of Trustees and staff will work to minimize the impact of the project on the public.
- Patron holds will not expire on August 13 or 14. Patrons may pick up their hold items until 5:00pm on Saturday, August 15.
- A dumpster will occupy 3-4 spaces in the Library parking lot.
- Visit our website and social media for ongoing rejuvenation updates. Updates will also be included in the Library’s eNewsletter. Sign-up is available in the footer of our website.
Why are you doing the project now?
- We can get the most competitive pricing at this time of year. Many construction companies have a lull in August because school construction projects have been completed.
- August has fewer Library programs and less visitors than other months. The annual summer reading challenge has ended, and school season traffic hasn’t yet started.
- The finished project will coincide with the 20-year anniversary of this Library building.
New Space Coming in December 2026
Future Plans for Second Floor Layout
