GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) - The Grand Island Public Library is seeing an increase in the number of patrons using its resources and plans to make renovations to meet their needs.
Library Director Steve Fosselman said the library renovations include improvements to meeting rooms, a “flipping” of the administration area to accommodate an additional meeting room, an internet cafe, a maker space - an interactive hands-on learning space - and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant parking and patron walkway access.
Celine Swan, youth services librarian, said the meeting rooms “get used so much by so many groups.”
When the library staff began to realize its need for an additional meeting room, Fosselman said, he began to think about “flipping” the administration area.
“I thought, ’Well, my office doesn’t need to be as big as it is. It could lose a few square feet here and there,’” he said. “At the same time, it will bring me closer to the general work room where so much happens behind the scenes.”
Fosselman added that when groups come to the library, it serves as a “community gathering place” where they can meet due to the safe, comfortable place it provides.
He said the addition of an internet cafe will enable patrons to “sip a cup of coffee” while conversing and use the library’s Wi-Fi to work on projects.
“It brings a little bit more of a community feeling to the library. At the same time, people love to use our Wi-Fi,” Fosselman said. “It’s a little informal service. When a library becomes a community center, you see a lot of things - ’meet ups’ of people with common interests.”
Fosselman said the improvement to the library’s parking lot “will make a big difference” to patrons as they will be closer to the building and will have a safer route to walk.
The library plans to close off the existing circle in front of the library to make this happen. Fosselman added that seating in front of the building will be removed and relocated. Smoking will be prohibited at the library.
The Grand Island Independent (https://bit.ly/2jj7rmU ) reports the renovations have an estimated cost of $850,000 plus architect fees and contingencies. Fosselman said the project will be done using funds from the Grimminger estate and outside donations. No tax dollars will be used to fund the project.
He did not have a timeline for the project, but said he would like for it to be complete within the next two years. He plans to send out a request for proposals for a project architect. The architect will be approved by the library board and the Grand Island City Council.
Fosselman said one of the main reasons the library is undergoing renovations is the fact that more patrons are using the library for “more than just books.”
Swan said the library offers a variety of programming for children, teens and adults, including baby lap sits for children age 2 and under, Anime Club and Minecraft Club for teens, and tax sessions and a monthly book club for adults.
“We have programs throughout the year,” she said. “During spring break, we have a lot of kids coming in looking for things to do.”
Fosselman said every day he sees more and more patrons using their digital devices. However, he added most do not realize they can use their library cards to read e-books, listen to audio books and watch movies and television shows on their devices using the Hoopla and Overdrive apps.
“It’s really important that the public realizes that information comes in a variety of containers,” he said. “We are continually exploring how to find those containers that people want.”
Patrons visiting the library on Sunday afternoon said they were using it for books, studying and programming.
Cheryl Yada of Grand Island patronizes the library “an average of once a week.” She said she likes to check out audio books.
“I use those in the kitchen when I’m fixing food or when I’m doing dishes or something,” Yada said. “Story books just take you away.”
Violet Ferreira of Grand Island said she chooses to visit the library “every couple weeks” to study and to read due to the quiet space it provides. She added she likes to “just look around” at books, specifically those in the mythology genre.
Ferreira said she has not participated in any teen programs, but she would not rule out the possibility of doing so in the future.
Annette Glos of Grand Island said she went to the library with her young daughter, Addison, Sunday afternoon because it was “something to do.”
“There is lots of stuff to do,” she said. “You can do anything here.”
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Information from: The Grand Island Independent, https://www.theindependent.com
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