Even with Kindles and other electronic devices becoming the medium of literature, libraries still remain a huge asset to the community and residents, whether its for education, research or meetings.
Chandler Sunset Library is keeping up with the times as it heads toward a new look with renovated equipment, tables, a new service desk and carpeting – not too mention an early learning center and a dedicated space for teens.
The library, located just east of Rural Road on Ray Road, will undergo interior renovations in December, closing the building for approximately two weeks. At a public session earlier this month, library representatives and lead designers answered residents’ questions about the project.
The construction will focus on improved, designated sections for computer labs, enclosed areas for study and a youth area with a more open workspace, said Tom Durkin, of Durkin and Durkin Architects.
“We’ve been planning on how we can finalize the lessons we’ve learned in the past 10 years, as well as understanding the building’s potentials and limitations,” he said.
Durkin said libraries have evolved throughout the years into public centers that bring residents together for group business meetings.
“The library has transformed from a mass collection of books to interacting with residents through activities,” he said. “Technology has vastly changed—how we understand, process, gather and decipher information is entirely different via technology.”
During a previous public meeting, about 20 local residents presented their input on the renovations.
Library board member and west Chandler resident Rich Herrera, who attended the meeting, said after it adjourned:
“The Sunset Library is already a huge resource to the west Chandler schools, as well as the Tempe Union High School District. I look forward to the renovations.”
A small group of other local residents were concerned over the library’s anticipated two-week closure, particularly because residents can check out books for only three weeks at a time. To resolve the issue, Brenda Brown, manager of all four Chandler libraries, said the Sunset branch administration is considering allowing residents to retain books for a longer period during reconstruction.
Other residents recommended having drive-up book-drop boxes outside the library, which are not currently in place. Officials are pondering the option, but said they are concerned over vandalism, which occurred previously.
Durkin, who has been planning the renovations for six months, also plans on incorporating public art through a partnership between the Library Division and the Chandler Arts Commission.
Brown said she is encouraging all visitors to check out as many books before construction, helping to relieve the employees’ efforts to sort through thousands of novels and publications while moving shelves and equipment.
Chandler leased the Sunset Library facility when it opened in 2000, and purchased the building a year ago. After the library was purchased, 78 percent of voters approved this year’s renovations and services, said Brown.
“We want to create a place for everybody in the community to enjoy and use as a resource,” Brown said. “We want to open up their view of the other aspects of the library.”
Brown also said the library will incorporate “early childhood literacy” spaces during the reconstruction process, along with a teen area and an enclosed space for youth.
Although there is no date yet for renovation to start, construction is expected to begin around December, during the less busy month. Library employees will either help with organizing the renovated sections, or will temporarily work at other Chandler libraries.
Brown and Hoffman’s long-term vision won’t just end with the interior renovation. As money becomes available, they hope to continue additions, including benches in the adjacent public park for reading on those cool, cloudy days.
Information: http://www.chandlerlibrary.org/
