Noble Neighborhood Library to be renovated; closing October through February
Since 1995, Noble Neighborhood Library has remained substantially unchanged. Next year, however, when you walk into the library, be prepared for a completely different look.
“We wanted to retain the stately atmosphere of the current building, but also make it more visually pleasing, user friendly and functional,” said Heights Library director, Nancy Levin, of the changes, which will begin this fall and should be completed in early 2011.
One of the first elements patrons will notice is a new centralized information desk, which will provide all the services customers need, from answering circulation questions to checking out books. Patrons also will appreciate the use of original woodwork and decorative elements in the main lobby, which will maintain that “classic library” feel.
Other renovations include an entrance from the rear parking lot, so guests will not have to walk around the building, first and second floor bathrooms, and large, open interior areas designed to offer more space. There will also be separate and expanded areas for children, teens and adults.
The children’s area will receive significant changes and will now be located on the lower level, closer to bathrooms. Sunlit and airy, the space will have a separate story-reading room and will be designed to stimulate the imagination of children.
“Staff worked diligently with the architects to design a library that will make this community proud,” said Levin.
Beyond the basic architectural elements, the renovated library will offer more computers for public use. The newly remodeled building will provide nearly double the present number of computers.
Another critical component of the renovations will be the maximization of energy efficiency. The entire heating and ventilation system is being replaced with small, quieter, more efficient and cost saving equipment. Insulation is being added to the ceilings and walls, interior lighting will be updated for maximum efficiency and ambiance, and storm windows are being installed. The benefits of these changes will be realized immediately in reduced utility costs.
To accommodate the renovations, the Noble Neighborhood Library will be closing in October until interior work is completed. A second phase of exterior renovations, is scheduled to begin in 2011, but will not require closing. During the closed period, the library will be offering limited programming at Noble Elementary School. Library staff is currently working with the school administration to determine how best to deliver those programs.
In addition, library staff is encouraging patrons to make arrangements for book reserves at Noble. Beginning Oct. 2, all Noble Library customer reserves will be sent to the Lee Road Library for pickup. If a customer does not want the reserved books to go to Lee Road, he or she must notify the circulation staff at Noble prior to Oct. 2 which library branch is preferred.
Updates and renovation information, temporary programming offerings, and other issues related to the Noble Neighborhood Library project can be found at www.heightslibrary.com/page/renovations.
Dean Schnurr is the marketing and community relations manager for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library.