Cass library to renovate children’s section
Published 8:00 am Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Cass District Library Director Jennifer Ray stands next to one of the shelves in the Cassopolis branch’s children’s library. The library is looking to renovate it and several other locations in the building this fall. (Leader photo/TED YOAKUM)
For the first time in the building’s more than 35-year history, the Cass District Library will receive some major improvements — and local children will see most of the benefits.
The library’s leadership is currently accepting bids from contractors for renovation work to the district’s main facility, located on M-62 in Cassopolis. The construction will focus on improvements to the library’s restrooms, staff area and its 10,000-book children’s library, located near the south side of the building.
The library administration has been looking to make updates to the building’s bathroom area for the last several years, looking to bring them up ADA accessibility standards, said Director Jennifer Ray. While discussing other areas of the building that could use some improvement, it was suggested that the children’s section receive some TLC as well.
“It’s an area that gets a lot of use,” Ray said. “We just felt like it needed a little attention, so it could be more warm, attractive and cheerful for little folks.”
Working with architect Eric Leedy, the library has drafted plans for the redesigned space, which will feature a new entryway and display cases facing the current circulation desk. The plans also call for the installation a new circulation desk near the southwest corner of the area, which will allow children to check out books without having to visit the main desk, Ray said.
The library also plans on installing a bank of computers for youth to use as well. Crews will also replace the current carpeting, and will lay down some linoleum flooring near the corner of the space, to help staff with cleanup after craft projects. Finally, the area walls will be repainted, giving the space a brighter, fresh new look, Ray said
“The kids area really needed some freshening up after all these years, so we’re tickled to be getting all these improvements,” Ray said.
Bids for the renovation project are due by Sept. 1. Ray said she hopes that work, which will take around three months to complete, will start around October. Children’s materials will still be accessible during construction.
