Ahead of a grand opening celebration April 2, Library Manager Melissa Perez Shadowens called the renovations "timeless."
“We wanted to have some classic finishes and something that isn’t too trendy so that it doesn’t become out of date in a few years,” she said. “We wanted something that can be timeless.”
During the April 2 event, the public can explore the library’s new spaces amid bubbles, games, refreshments and other activities for all ages.
Mayor John Muns will perform the official ribbon cutting at 1:10 p.m.
In all, the project added about 4,000 square feet, and the library now spans just a little over 34,000 square feet—all on one floor.
“It’s a very beautiful renovation,” said Rubia Shakeel of Plano, who was at the library this week. “You can sit and study without any disturbances. [There are] so many locations where you can sit. It’s great.”
Among the library’s upgrades is a renovated children’s area with a large, dedicated children’s room for special programs, such as puppet shows, learning activities and other events.
Support pillars in the children’s area were made to look like trees, being outfitted with wooden "branches." Near the top of the trees is an LED lighting system that changes colors.
The idea of turning the support pillars in the children’s area into trees came up during a conversation with the project’s architect, Shadowens said.
“I think we all turned into children when the idea came about, because how cool would that be if you were a kid and you walked through that library?” Shadowens said. “It brings out that inner child. They’re beautiful, and I just think it’s perfect for the children’s area.”
Other highlights of the renovation project include an area geared for teenagers with puffy blue chairs that rock back and forth. There are also study tables with outlets for laptops and other electronics.
In another new area, a glass-enclosed room houses digital creation space stocked with high-powered computers that have the latest software for video, audio and graphic design projects. The area is free to book and is designed for patrons age 13 and older.
Six new study rooms are also available, something the library has never had, according to Shadowens. The glass-enclosed rooms offer a view of the adjacent park.
Through the renovation project, additional meeting rooms were also added to provide more areas where patrons can meet, study and connect.
A rentable room for large gatherings has a storage area stocked with tables and chairs that can seat up to 200 people. That area also has a projector, a screen and a small kitchen area with refrigerators.
Additionally, two smaller, rentable conference rooms that each seat about eight people are available.
Throughout the library, there is new furniture and LED lighting, and there are renovated public restrooms.
"We’re really proud of it and just really happy to welcome people,” Shadowens said. “We’re very pleased with changes.”
A bond approved by voters in 2017 funded the project.
