The Claremont Public Library will be conducting a renovation to the children’s area, thanks to a large donation from the Friends of the Claremont Library (FCL). FCL is a non-profit organization formed by community volunteers that supports the Claremont Library with its expenses. After planning the needs of the library for two years, the renovation is estimated to be completed by the end of the 2013 year.

“The library has not been renovated since 1975 so with the renovation and upgrades, [FCL] hopes that the area will be more inviting for the kids to linger at the library for a while,” ex-president of the FCL and renovation project manager Laura Bollinger said.

Bollinger worked for a few years on the project by touring in neighbouring libraries to help Bollinger estimate what renovations the children area needs. FCL decided to fund the renovation project with an agreed amount of $125,000 which had no effect on their annual donation of new books and other products. The FCL raises their donations through membership, used-book sales, and their year-round book store in the Claremont Public Library.

“I think that it’s great that the Claremont Public Library has a children’s area,” library volunteer and sophomore Madzy Salamatin said. “It’s good that the children’s area is getting renovated because the children will be able to learn in a happy environment without feeling pressured to learn.”

The children’s center will be drastically changed in numerous ways. Computers and electrical wirings will be removed from the middle section of the room to the side of walls to give more spacing to add an extra number of computers. The county staff lent a hand in this project by working on the remodeling of the walls and carpeting. Also, a small, relaxing seating area will be built for families who want to interact with their children. Study desks and outlets will also be made available for the community to utilize.

“I feel excited,” library volunteer and sophomore Sabrina Chen said. “I hope that the new remodeling encourages children to read more for their enjoyment, not just because school tells them to.”

Although the children’s center is closed for the renovation, the children’s library service will still be available for the community in the meeting room. A collection of children’s books is available and many other books can be ordered accordingly to requests. The library looks forward to bring a more convenient atmosphere to the community.