Library Renovation Project Continues

The Millburn Public Library is closed this week, but it's still busy inside.

Workers are laying carpet and installing new furniture as part of the $180,000 interior renovation project at the library. The library will re-open on Monday with its new look.

Susan Pober, head of information services for the library, said the main thrust is to get rid of the old, 1970s-era furniture and give a new face to the library. Also, additional electrical outlets are being installed throughout the building, she said.

"It will be brighter and more 21st Century," she said. "We're really excited for our patrons to experience the new seating and electricity."

The old furniture is already gone. Pober said a church took what was usable, including desks and chairs.

"We recycled what we could," she said.

There will be new tables, chairs and counters throughout the library. A new adult reference desk has already been installed on the main level, and the online catalog computers will be moved to that area.

Moving the catalog computers also allowed for more CD shelves in the area where they once were located, Pober said.

New carpet is being installed in the area where new cables and wires were laid. While there are some new data cables for the catalog computers, the main wires are for electricity.

There will now be outlets in all seating areas, Pober said, something that's needed as more people use the library's free wireless Internet service.

There will also be new signs throughout the library, includng directional signs, pictures and quotes.

The children's area will have new Internet work stations for older children to use to search the catalog, surf the Internet or type a paper or project. There's also a new children's reference desk. The entire area will have new tables and chairs. The area for younger children has new shelves and comfortable chairs.

Workers are still waiting for a custom-made counter that will be installed along the railing on the mezzanine level of the library, which also will have new electrical outlets.

New bench-style seats that will be installed throughout the library also have their own desks that swing out from under the arm.