Versatile, spacious and airy.
Those are some words three librarians used when describing the renovations at Santa Barbara’s Eastside Branch Library, located at 1102 E. Montecito St.
The library reopened earlier this month after a roughly $235,000 makeover of the interior, furnishings and exterior painting to meet the needs of modern library-goers.
The 3,500-square-foot facility boasts other new interior features, such as paint, flooring, installation of rooftop solar panels, and a design that rearranges library materials to increase ease of access.
The open plan layout is more welcoming, Senior Librarian Kristina Hernandez told Noozhawk.
“The flexibility of space is important in libraries, because most libraries have big and static furniture,” Hernandez said. “We are big on pro-active customer service…It (the layout now) allows us to spend more time one-on-one with people.”
The new movable furniture is on wheels, and the mobility can help provide a functional and flexible space that can adjust for gatherings or group size.
Work-space remodeling is designed to help enrich and facilitate a more collaborative environment. The lightweight furniture allows for a quick reconfiguration of the facility, and the round tables also double as whiteboards.
Among the library system’s goals for the year are the expansion of programming for library users.
“It allows us to have more programming space,” Hernandez said of the improvements. “We can do a lot with this space.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the faces of our community members when they come in,” Hernandez added. “This is their library and space.”
Inside the facility, there is an area that meets the needs of teens in the community. The dedicated spot will offer novels for young adults.
“It’s exciting,” Eastside Branch Librarian Ahmad Merza said of the upgrades.
New desktop computers and wall-mounted touch-screens are scheduled to arrive over the next few weeks.
On a recent afternoon, library staff were putting the finishing touches on shelving for displaying books and preparing the renovated facility.
Repairs and improvements started in mid-December; a grand reopening will be held in February.
“What I like is how you can see the natural light from the patios,” children’s librarian Gwen Wagy said. “Now there is more room for everything.”
— Noozhawk staff writer Brooke Holland can be reached at bholland@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.
