The Observation Deck

It seems like it's been a little while since we've heard anything on the progress of the Library expansion project. I'm very excited for when it's complete.

Jeff or Ken, any updates on how the renovation is going in the old building?

Bryan:

We are almost finished with construction. Once the certificate of occupancy is obtained by the expected date of April 1 we will deploy as follows:

April 1 – 6

Install administrative services furnishings, phone systems and technology, including Board Room.

April 7 – 13

Retrieve and install ‘back office’ Customer Services shelving, furnishings, technology to support such functions as sorting, ILL, technical processing and shipping and receiving.

Obtain and install equipment for the AV check-out desk.

April 14 – 20

Evacuate and prepare Quiet Room for public use.

Install shelving for Children’s and AV areas.

Receive, program and install computers for Technology Center.

April 21 – 30

Coordinate with Burgeon Group for installation of “Librainium.â€￾

May 1 – May 23

Retrieve from off-site storage and shelf AV and children’s materials.

May 23-31

Finish details

June 1

Grand Opening Ceremony and Building Dedication

Kenneth Warren
Director
Lakewood Public Library

I've forgotten: what's “Librainiumâ€￾ ?

Bryan,

The trustees toured the renovation on Thursday and I can tell you it looks great. It was exciting to see the program elements converted to bricks and mortar. The new children's area is especially exciting. I can't wait for the completion and I know that the rest of Lakewood feels the same way.

Suzanne

Thanks Ken and Suzanne. I know June 1 will be a very exciting date.

Bryan

Glad you asked. The renovation of the Arthur building has been coming along, even with some unexpected weather delays. We are hopeful that the majority of construction will be completed April 1, 2008. Once we obtain our certificate of occupancy from the city, the process of moving in the furniture, shelving, etc. will begin. There's quite a bit of co-ordination that is required, from actually getting the furniture, to working with Burgeon, on the installation of the Librainium (preschool organic learning center). There's also the issues involved in moving administration, administrative services and all the "back of the house" areas into their permanent placing. The new computer center has to be brought "on line" and the elements of the collection that are still in storage moved and shelved.....so even after we get the certificate of occupancy, there's quite a bit left to do. The parking lot should be paved around 4/15, depending on when the asphalt plant reopens and weather.


So, we're almost done. And we certainly thank everyone for their patience. Once those temporary walls come down, all the inconvenience will be well worth it, as the city will have a truly world class facility. And if the addition was spectacular, wait till you see the rest! There's very little left in the "old" building that would serve as a recognizable landmark. With the exception of the Arthur Ave. Bay window, the gutting was pretty much complete, with the entire space being reformated.

The Board, Staff and Administration are excited for the completion of the project and the opportunity to welcome our patrons into this great Lakewood institution.

Jeff

dl:

It will be difficult to describe and visualize this exciting and innovative element, because the concept is new to public libraries and several staff and trustees were involved with a creative design process and team that brought our community, sensibilities and values into play. That said, “The Lakewood Librainium for Reading Readinessâ€￾ will be an artful one of a kind Lakewood-centric hands-on organic learning platform of roughly 1,500 square feet with a variety of open-ended interactives intended for children 0 to 5 years to use with their parents/caregivers.

The Library hired the Burgeon Group (the best in the business ), an educational design consultant to design, build and install it. Knowing your Lakewood roots, I think you will love this fanciful and inspiring amenity for both the aesthetic and educational effects. It's guaranteed to be the educational destination for families with small children.

Having a great children's room is, for me, the most essential element of a public library program. And I am most excited by what we will be able to offer in the new children's room.

Thank you again for all your patience and support throughout the project.

Kenneth Warren
Director
Lakewood Public Library

Ken-

I agree that having a great children's space is essential.

I want to know when I can come and play. Dibs on the busy boards.

DL

Each of Burgeon's designs is unique, although there may be some common elements. Explore their website, with photos of some of their installations and you'll at least get a flavor of what they do:

http://www.burgeongroup.com/home.html

What they've designed for our "city of homes" will incorporate elements from our lakefront, parks, houses, "main street". But, if youwant to come and play, you'll need to have a 0-5 year old to escort you!

Jeff

Jeff Endress wrote:DL

But, if youwant to come and play, you'll need to have a 0-5 year old to escort you!

Jeff

I see a market niche developing. RENT A KID, so that you can play in the new LPL children's area. DL - no crayons on the walls!

Jeff - I did explore the Burgeon website (hence my comments). One of the things that has been a fairly common element, although each is unique, are the "busy boards" for toddlers. They look fun!

Suzanne - I'm not sure I want to share!

OOOHH - dl - you, me, busyboards.

I have friends with children - hehehehehe.

For those who would really like to see exactly how massive the renovation of the Arthur Building was/is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp9kddooWHg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY_jEQC-pv4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dpeE05s ... re=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS4Klbf1 ... re=related

That's right.....4 Utube segments. Really interestung idea of what was there from all the prior additions, as well as some idea of the final structure taking shape.


Jeff