By Mark Bialczak
LPL Communications Specialist
We’re on the verge of the most significant transformation the Liverpool Public Library has seen since it opened its doors on the corner of Tulip and Second streets in the village in 1975.
The building has been closed to patrons this week because movers asked for the space and safety to clear the main room for the Monday, May 20, start of its major renovation: New configuration, furniture, lighting, paint and carpeting.
“It is all very exciting, and I thank the community for their support and patience as we go through our transformation,” said LPL Director Glenna Wisniewski.
The doors will reopen on Saturday, May 18, so the community can appreciate the services they crave. The Carman Community Room will stand proudly as a mini library, fully staffed and positioned with equipment to fill just about all the needs expected in the main room: Lucky Day, large print, MediaBank, reference services, copier, public computers and printer, Wi-Fi, Notary and passport processing and LCSD summer reading lists. Faxing and credit card acceptance will be temporarily unavailable during this time.
“Our collections will always be core to our services, but visitors are using our library differently than 30 years ago, the time of the last renovation,” Wisniewski says. “Our new renovation will provide more seating and quiet space, a room for creative, active learning as well as a central service center for information and circulation needs. Everything that that is done at the LPL is with the community in mind. Community conversations and surveys held throughout our strategic plan process focused on how the library can play a role in creating a welcoming, connected community.”
The LPL Board of Trustees on May 8 approved bids for renovation of the main and Children’s Room at its monthly meeting last week. The main room is expected to be completed about Sept. 13. The Children’s Room will remain open through that time. After the main room is complete, work will start on the Children’s Room.
“The renovation maximizes the use of a somewhat limited space in a modern, vibrant and welcoming setting,” said LPL Board of Trustees Vice President Donald J. MacLaughlin. “It will provide technology-oriented space, a space that includes an area for computer stations, quiet group and individual study rooms, and open spaces for teens and adults to gather.”
LPL Board President Dorianne Gutierrez added, “The renovation represents the library’s position as home for all members of the community. It will provide the physical and informational space that we need today, things that a library can uniquely provide.”
