LIBRARY MAKEOVER NEARLY COMPLETE

Project at main branch adds meeting space, updates; elevator repairs next

Mentor Public Library continues its transformation into the 21st century, one piece at a time.

In the last five years, about $1 million has been poured into the main branch at 8215 Mentor Ave. to bring it up to functional and aesthetic standards desired by today’s patrons.

Changes include building/ renovating office space for the IT department, adding a meeting room and drive-through, renovating the lobby into Kilbourne Commons, renovating public restrooms on the first floor, and interior and exterior renovations at the Lake branch.

The latest project, remodeling the main floor at the main branch, is nearly complete. It involves adding three study rooms, renovating the teen area, and replacing 30-yearold old furniture and carpet.

“From a functional standpoint, we can now offer the

“From a functional standpoint, we can now offer the study rooms to people or small groups who are looking for a place to study.” — Library spokesman Jason Lea

study rooms to people or small groups who are looking for a place to study,” said library spokesman Jason Lea. “Also, we’ve added more outlets where people can charge their devices.

“From an aesthetic standpoint, our browsing area now allows in more natural light and has better sight lines.”

So far, the changes are getting positive reviews.

“We just find this renovation so much better,” said Peggy Adams of Conthe

cord Township, while sethe

questered in a booth in youth area. She and a friend have met at the library regularly for more than a year. “It’s a little more structured in the way it is formatted, and it gives us ample space to meet and quietly discuss what we’re studying.”

The next project on the agenda wasn’t in the library leadership’s immediate plans: repairing the elevator.

Until it can be fixed — estimated to be weeks, if not months, away — programming for those who may require the elevator is being moved to the main floor or another branch, Lea said.

While he didn’t know the cost, he said the funding is available in the library’s $5.1 million annual budget.

“The elevator will be repaired as quickly as possible,” he said.

The library offers many programs, such as author talks, art and book clubs, story times and more. In addition, several community nonprofit organizations host programs there, including Boy and Girl Scout troops, Aspire’s GED classes, Mentor Schools’ Science Olympiad practices and Lake County General Health District’s Parent Café.

“We’ve added meeting rooms and still occasionally have to turn down requests for room use,” Lea said.

In partnership with Mentor School District, the library soon can offer patrons access to laser engravers, T-shirt printers, vinyl cutters, 3D pens, button makers and largeformat printers in the “Makerspace,” opening Dec. 3 in the high school’s renovated library.

“We’re also finalizing a partnership with Holden Arboretum, and we’ll have more details on that soon,” he said.

The main branch building dates back to 1960. It received a multistory addition in the late 1980s.

COURTESY OF MENTOR PUBLIC LIBRARY A patron browses the renovated stacks at Mentor Public Library.

COURTESY OF MENTOR PUBLIC LIBRARY A patron takes advantage of new furniture at Mentor Public Library.