Durham's Southwest branch library is set for an expansion over the coming two years, enlarging the 16 year-old 10,000 sq. ft. structure to meet the same 25,000 sq. ft. footprint and functions as the county's new East and North branch libraries and the planned South branch library that will replace the Parkwood location.
According the H-S' reporting today on last week's public meeting, the Southwest branch library will close in December for 15 months' worth of construction. The library will be completely offline throughout the construction period, though the bookmobile will make regular visits to the district during the interim.
The existing brick structure will receive a tripartite set of additions, including a new entry that will house public services and the enhancement of natural lighting showing off the woods in the library's rear, a design feature used well in the new branch libraries to date.
Renovations will also triple the number of computers in the library to 30, mirroring again the level of resources in other branches.
During their project reviews, the County Commission has reportedly been favorable towards the renovation plans, raising primarily the concern of timing, as the Southwest branch library will close before the South branch near RTP comes online, a date that according to the architect is Dec. 31, 2009.
Interestingly, though construction was funded, monies to build the collections at both South and Southwest weren't alloted in the year's budget. Michael Page, the liaison from the County Commission to Library board of trustees, noted June 10 board session that the County hoped it could find funds during the year to help pay for collection acquisition.
Bummer that we won't have use of the library for 15 months, but I'm excited about the bookmobile! The kiddies will really dig that.
Posted by: Valerie | July 23, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Those of us who use the Parkwood Library are excited they just broke ground on the South Regional Library. It's too bad the SW location has be closed for 15 months and before the South Regional opens up. But I guess that just means we'll meet more of our Durham neighbors at the Parkwood Branch. See you there!
Posted by: tina | July 23, 2008 at 08:04 PM
I was wondering what the Zoning sign was all about. Thank goodness the Main Branch is between work & home... I'm sad that we won't have a neighborhood library for so long, but I'm looking forward to the renovations!
Posted by: ACW | July 23, 2008 at 09:25 PM
I've heard the Parkwood branch is nice. We will see you there!
Posted by: Valerie | July 23, 2008 at 10:02 PM
If you haven't been to the East and North Regional libraries you really should make a point to visit. (They're exactly the same design.) They're open and spacious, lots of glass, comfortable seating, free Wifi, etc. They (or at least North, for sure) also have moved the hold books to their own area and have self-service check-out, so you can browse the catalog online from home/work, request books/CDs/DVDs and check them out without ever talking to a human. On the other hand, I've found the humans at all of the libraries to be quite helpful.
Also, if you haven't taken advantage of it yet, sign your Durham County library card up at libraryelf.com and get personalized reminders for books on hold, when items are due, etc.
Posted by: Steve | July 23, 2008 at 10:58 PM
The Southwest branch started putting the hold books on a shelf, too, which is convenient. I also highly recommend talking to the librarians. We have our favorites; they are all very nice.
We've been to either North or East... they do look just alike!... and I am hopeful the new South Regional one will be similar.
The Durham library system is one of our city jewels.
Posted by: Valerie | July 25, 2008 at 09:52 AM