Lobby, entrances will be revamped

By Matt Neznanski

Gazette-Times reporter

Library patrons take note: get your browsing done by Sunday.

The main Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave., will be closed starting Monday for remodeling of the lobby area and back door.

"We try to choose the least busy time for people, and December is that time usually," said library director Carolyn Rawles-Heiser.

The project will improve the customer service desk area, expand the back "arcade" entrance, and enclose an unused door and alcove area. These changes are part of the ongoing effort to make the building more welcoming and functional for patrons.

"We're also doing carpet and upholstery cleaning, which I'm sure people will be thrilled about," Rawles-Heiser said.

The library is scheduled to reopen Monday, Dec. 22.

During construction, library materials on hold can be picked up in the main meeting room starting Tuesday from 1 to 6 p.m. daily. A small selection of popular materials will be available for checkout in the meeting room at the same time.

No items will be due that week. Branch libraries in Alsea, Monroe and Philomath will be open as usual.

More than 2,000 patrons come through the doors of the library every day, and during busy times there are often long lines for checking out materials. The remodeling is all part of making the library easier to use.

In April, the large circulation desk in the main lobby was taken out, along with a number of nonstructural columns. A video surveillance system in some areas was added this summer.

Additional self-checkout stations have been added to the lobby, too, along with a new shelving system for items on hold that gives patrons the ability to pick things up without having to wait in line.

Volunteer and informational kiosks are planned soon, along with a new seating area in the lobby.

All told, the remodeling project will cost between $130,000 and $145,000, most of which paid for self-serve checkout machines and shelving for the hold system.

Matt Neznanski can be reached at 758-9518 or matt.neznanski@lee.net.