'We're not your mama's library anymore"
Remodeled Kathryn Linnemann branch to open soon
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| Ryan Prewitt photo -- Maggie Preiss, children's resources and marketing coordinator, gave a tour of the almost-complete redesign and expansion of the Kathryn Linnemann Library in St. Charles. |
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Construction on the nearly $2 million expansion project is almost complete and St. Charles City-County Library District officials say that by November they hope to reopen the branch to the public.
"We're so excited," said Maggie Preiss, director of children's programs and marketing. "We want people to come in and see this awesome place."For now, curious patrons who peek in the windows at 2323 Elm St. would see a space transformed.
Stone and wood pillars lend an air of a comfortable ski lodge or resort and bright lights hang in the lobby.
"When you say 'library,' people have a certain image," Preiss said. "Well, we're not your mama's library anymore."
The renovation included a 9,000-square-foot addition to the back of the building, moving the entrance closer to the parking lot and installing drive-through drop-off and pickup windows on the east side of the building. Preiss said people can call ahead to pick up their reserves.
A major part of the redesign was to more clearly define spaces for children, youth and adults and to expand spaces where the community can gather.
Toward the front of the library will be a large reading room with a gas fireplace, periodicals and large-print books. A cafe station with booths and tables will provide additional seating for people using wireless Internet in the middle of the station, Preiss said. For the first time, there will be a large youth reading area and a separate children's story room.
"I think libraries are becoming more community centers where people can come together, but it takes space," said Preiss.
More people have taken advantage of the free Internet and computer use at Kathryn Linnemann Library than at any other branch in the library system. When the branch reopens, patrons will have 10 additional computers with flat-screen monitors to use. The children's department also will have computer literacy stations to help promote early reading.
"Our computers are heavily used," Preiss said. "We get a lot of the after-school kids from junior and high schools."
To accommodate people seeking quiet, separate study areas for individuals or groups have been added. Additionally, the history and genealogy section will have more room and a dedicated staff person available 20 hours each week.
In the next few weeks, bookshelves will be installed, and library workers will have the task of unpacking 7,000 boxes of materials currently stacked inside the Blackhurst Elementary School gym and cafeteria.
The St. Charles City-County Library District has been renting space in the now-shuttered school as a temporary location where customers can pick up reserves and drop off books.
Workers at the temporary location said people ask every day when the new branch will reopen. The answer now is soon.
What's new at Kathryn Linnemann?
? Main entrance will face the parking lot.
? Reading room with periodicals and large-print books, comfortable couches and a gas fireplace
? Flat-screen computer monitors.
? Lightweight chairs with wheels for the computer stations.
? Cafe area with coffee, booths and tables.
? Early literacy computer stations in children's area.
? Three individual or group study rooms.
? Separate children's meeting room with adjacent bathroom.
