Today, The McCollough Regional Branch stands as the oldest and most frequented of the eight EVPL libraries.
On a warm Tuesday afternoon, patrons use the computers and check in with librarians over ordered items. But on Tuesday Aug. 1, this library is closing for up to one year for renovations.
“It's a great library, the building is in great shape, but on the inside just needs some interior renovations,” said Scott Kinney, CEO of the EVPL. “And we're going to move some things around to make it more of a modern library.”
Modernizations include better, more efficient lighting, solar power, expanding the children’s area and adding study rooms and a sensory room.
They’ll also replace the roof and move the public meeting room closer to Washington Avenue. The footprint of the building will not change.
Kinney said they created the plan by using input from the community. The overall vision plan was released in January of 2022.
“We did focus groups as well as public surveys,” he said. “And then also working with the staff in the library board in the foundation board to make sure that we were getting to things in our facilities that the community wanted.”
The community wanted McCollough maintained and updated — but with a more of a community center atmosphere.
Kinney said they’ll preserve the mid-century modern feel while adding some warm textures and make it more welcoming. The masterplan itself calls for projects large and small on each of the eight library branches.
Of all the projects here, the children’s area might see the most change. This includes more space for activities which Assistant Children’s Librarian Stephanie Greenwalt appreciates.
“There's just not really a lot of open space in here, right now, to really do a lot. There's not an open area to have like a pop up program or like, ‘Hey, I noticed there's a lot of kids here, let's do some cool science thing.’”
Greenwalt said she’s always had to schedule such activities around other general library events, something she won’t have to do when the library renovation is complete.
EVPL Chief Operating Officer Heather O’Grady said the city has approved $10 million total in library levy funds for the improvement of branches McCollough, Central, Oaklyn and North Park.
During that year-long project, all services will be available at Washington Square Mall, except EVPL To Go pick up.
Kinney said that space will be about 9,000 square feet — approximately one third of the current McCollough size, and will open shortly after McCollough closes.
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