Love was in the air at the Nan Boothby Memorial Library this past weekend, but the love had more to do with some upcoming renovations rather than Valentine’s Day.
An open house was held Feb. 14 to thank donors who contributed to what is being called ‘Phase 1’ of the renovation process, to offer a preview of the new look with display drawings and examples of materials to be used and to display a ‘wish list’ for donations to ‘Phase 2’.
“The Cochrane Library is very different than the libraries of my childhood where you tiptoed in and spoke in a whisper,” said Marcia Johnston, executive director of the Nan Boothby Memorial Library. “We really are a community hub – not just a place where people come to check out books.”
This hub has been around since 2001, with no renovations since opening. Freshening things up was priority number one, according to Johnston.
She said the idea for the renovations was formulated in 2013 and the board applied for grants and were successful in 2014. Phase 1 is going to cost just over $100,000.
New LED lighting has already been installed and new wireless capabilities have also been put in, according to Johnston. She said they would also get new flooring, fresh paint and some new furniture in the library’s public area. There will also be two new offices and two, three- to four-person breakout rooms, which will be able to be opened into one larger room.
The library will be closed starting April 3 and will be reopened to the public April 27.
Johnston said that with ‘Phase 2’ of the renovations what they would like to see would be self-checkout kiosks. She pointed out that they are understaffed and having their staff check out books isn’t necessarily the best use of their time.
Other additions that would be included in Phase 2 are a possible digital phone system, improving the staff area and eventually replacing all of the furniture.
For more information on the library call 403-932-4353.
