LANSING, MI – National Library Week falls on the week of April 9-15. According the American Library Association (ALA) web site, this special week was first sponsored by ALA in 1958 as a way to celebrate the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support. Also, since 1985, April has also been designated School Library Month.
The Downtown Lansing branch of the Capital Area District Library reopened just in time for the public to celebrate after a $670,000 renovation project.
CADL Downtown Lansing is the primary branch for over 16,000 patrons.
“’Library’ reads differently in every language, but the words mean the same thing: all are welcome!” said CADL Online Content and PR Coordinator Eli Klein. “We wanted to make the remodeled library as welcoming as possible for everyone, whether patrons are here for a quick visit to browse or settling in to job search. You’ll often see young families reading and relaxing at storytimes alongside professionals taking advantage of digital resources on the go. Essentially, each of our thirteen branches are havens, but they are also hubs. Now CADL Downtown Lansing is truly a library that is here for everyone, whatever they’re doing, and at whatever pace.”
The renovation project, includes a redesigned lobby, open floor plan, first and second floor service desks that will combine information and circulation services, study rooms, updated restrooms, new carpet, and the original tables were outfitted with power and USB plugins.
The project includes reconfiguring the floor plan. All new fiction and non-fiction titles will be relocated to the first floor alongside fiction, children’s and young adult titles. In response to patron demand, we are expanding the fiction collection. Media items like DVDs and CDs have been moved to the second floor. Shorter shelving units also allow more natural sunlight to enter.
“We are very excited about the CADL Board’s decision to invest in modernizing and sprucing up our library!” said CADL Downtown Lansing Head Librarian Michele Brussow. “This renovation is proof that the library is changing with the times to meet patron needs. Popular items are easier to access, materials are faster to find, and more comfortable spaces for lounging and meeting are available. It’s appropriate that the reopening coincides with National Library Week – what better way to celebrate the commitment of libraries and staff, plus promote the use of library resources, than by visiting the remodeled space?”
Printed in the April 2 – April 15, 2017 edition
