By Kaitlin Candelaria
The Hoover Library will be undergoing a facelift during August and September.
The library, which has almost 500,000 visitors a year, has maintained the same color scheme for almost 25 years.
“Our goal with this project is to update the color scheme on the main level of the library using shades of green, blue, orange and gold to highlight the main hallway in the library,” Patricia Guarino, assistant director, said. “The children’s area will also be identified with unique colors and designs, while contemporary unique computer and study carrels will provide open and modern work and study spaces.”
Other updates include new carpet. With the exception of a few small areas, most of the library still has its original carpet.
However, installing new carpet in a library isn’t without challenges.
“In a library filled with lots of shelves with books, new carpet means moving a lot of stuff around,” Guarino said. “Luckily, there are companies that specialize in moving shelves as well as library books. They promise to put the books back in the right order.”
The majority of the library will remain open during the renovations, although patrons will have limited access to the children’s area as well as certain book sections during the installation of the new materials. The library staff will work with patrons to access items when possible.
“The library is encouraging patrons to keep items that would normally be due in August until Sept. 8,” Guarino said.
The library will close completely Sept. 3-7.
The Pennington Group will handle the renovations. Barry Davis Architects is managing the project. Laura Harchelroad is the interior designer.
“The library is very excited about the fresh new look that we will have when the project is completed,” Guarino said. “August is going to be very challenging for our library staff. Construction projects always bring surprises, but we are going to do our best to provide great library service throughout this project.”
