Walking into Naper Blvd. Library, residents have definitely noticed the building’s bright, new look. From colorful walls to comfortable furniture, the library has transformed. After a four-month-long renovation project, the library is celebrating its Grand Reopening at 6PM May 20.
“I have heard so many compliments about the new look,” said Dave Della Terza, Naper Blvd. Library’s manager. “It was really great to be here on the first day that we reopened after we got in our new carpet and furniture, hearing our customers tell us how much they liked everything. The most talked about renovation is the new furniture. It matches the look of the building so well – it’s comfortable, and the seating has increased dramatically so that we have room for all of our customers.”
The Grand Reopening will include a ribbon cutting, refreshments and activities throughout the building, including crafts for kids as well as button making in the new section dedicated to teens called Teen Space.
“The teens have responded very well to the teen space,” Della Terza said. “We have six computers, comfy chairs and tables for teens to use. We also have board games and a very large flat screen TV for programs.”
During the event, staff also will demonstrate how to use the library’s new technology in the updated and larger computer lab, which features 24 new adult computers and eight children’s computers.
“The new computer lab is much more open than before,” Della Terza said. “We moved the lab from a small room that couldn’t fit many computers to an open space where we can accommodate not just computers, but also new technology like a 3-D printer, Cameo cutter and ScanSnap batch photo scanner.”
The library’s newly revamped program room also will be a main attraction. Della Terza said the new space to hold programs at the library is vibrant with bright walls and new carpeting. A new mounted projector completes the room and will allow presenters to use it during programs.
Other updates to the library include new energy-efficient lighting and more power outlets, which was in high demand for many customers.
“Everyone is so connected today that when they come into the library they often bring their own laptops or notebooks,” Executive Director Julie Rothenfluh said. “They have phones and other electronic devices that they want to charge. We needed to increase our customer’s access to electricity.”
Rothenfluh said Naper Blvd. Library’s renovation project supports the success of the library as a whole and paves the way for future renovations at the Nichols and 95th Street libraries.
“The project at Naper is just part of our phased approach to upgrading and updating our three facilities to better serve the changing demands of our community,” Rothenfluh said. “We are already starting the planning for the upgrades to Nichols Library. Actual work should begin by the end of this year or start of 2016. And we are assessing the needs at 95th Street to prepare our capital request for that facility.”
