What can you do when you find yourself working in a smaller library branch with a population that has outgrown the building? This was our situation at the Hope Mills Branch Library, one of eight branches of our Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center. Our customer base continued to grow (a wonderful problem to have,) but unfortunately, there was simply not any additional space in our building for us to expand. By thinking outside the box, we were able to make some creative changes to help meet the customer demand at our location, and we did it without adding a floor or expanding our building into the parking lot.
The majority of our renovation occurred over a two week period, and we reopened to the public on August 26. The project was funded in part through a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grant in partnership with Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, NC. What did our plan include? We tore down a wall to expand the space available to us for computers and shelving, and the adult computer lab, previously held in an enclosed room, was turned into staff space. We brought the computer lab out into the collection. While this plan demolished one of our individual quiet study rooms, we were able to keep one of our enclosed study carrels.
(Photo courtesy of Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center)
The size of our staff had grown, but our building had not grown with it. The youth services department had moved into the conference room several years ago because there was not enough room in our general workroom for the number of staff working at our location. After these renovations, we were able to add the conference room for both customer and staff use, and the youth services team moved into the old computer lab room. A large archway was formed out of the wall separating the circulation/information services office from the youth services office,and these areas are now connected.
(Photo courtesty of Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center)
The entire library branch also received fresh paint, smaller seating areas to allow for individual spots to relax and read, and the children’s department received a beautiful, brand new service desk. What has the public’s response been to our renovated look?
“Whoa!” “There’s a new desk! And tables!
“I like the computer lab out in the open. It is more comfortable.”
“I never realized until now how lucky I am to live within walking distance of such a community asset! I guess I just took you guys for granted!”
“I missed all of you — you’re so nice here. Hope Mills is lucky to have a beautiful ‘new’ library!”
“This looks great and so much roomier!”
(Photo courtesy of the Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center)
“This furniture is comfortable.”
“Thank you for getting the conference room back.”
“The children’s room looks so cheerful now!”
Without building a brand new facility, we were able to address the concerns we faced while improving our library branch for our children and their families. How have you addressed space restraints in your library? Please share in the comments below!