Libraries have been around generation after generation, housing books dating back decades. However, overtime, these dwellings of literature grow more and more outdated, particularly in the very structure of the buildings. Due to problems such as these, the Claremont Public Library began its temporary closure on April 16, 2018, for the desperate need of renovation. The library’s doors will remain shut for an estimated six months while construction in and around the building takes place. During development, the library has a temporary room at the Alexander Hughes Center which is open Mondays through Saturdays, until all building upgrades are completed. The room houses a small, circulating collection of books that can be checked out, plus employees for any book holds and returns.
In the span of six months, the library is adding many new features, while improving on many old ones. Such renovations include the installation of a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit, and the addition of both gender neutral and family bathrooms. As for the outside, the remodeled library will feature drought-tolerant landscaping and a freshly resurfaced parking lot. The outside plants will match those at Shelton Park and City Hall, helping perpetuating Claremont’s water-conserving feel. Previous inside library vicinities, such as the adult area and circulation area, will also be getting major upgrades. The refurbished areas will now feature modern circulation and reference desks, with the bonus of new carpeting and furniture. By fall of this year, all of these construction features will hopefully be finished.
The library has not been remodeled for four years. Back in 2014, the library remodeled its children’s section to include computers and new rugs. Before that, the library had not made any major changes since its grand opening in 1974. However, now, in 2018, a lot more is changing than just one room. The primary goal of these renovations is to fix all of the building’s major issues to make sure everything fits with the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. The library management hopes that such improvements will make the atmosphere more enjoyable for citizens.
“The space will be made more welcoming and user-friendly,” library manager Amy Crow said. “[The renovations are] to better serve the community.”
Although six months may seem like a long time, the library will soon be back in full swing. Until then, the staff recommends that library-goers look for books at either the La Verne or San Dimas libraries. For now, the Claremont community will just have to wait while the various upgrades take place.
“We are excited that the Claremont library project is underway, and look forward to reintroducing the community to the new and improved library in the fall,” Crow said.
At this point, the library has no other big construction projects planned. In the allotted time, the library is getting as much done as possible, so as not to cause any further closure. Therefore, once the six months are up, the library should be up and running for a long time to come.