LIHU‘E — People don’t understand why they cannot book the Lihu‘e Public Library Conference Room for upcoming events, library manager Carolyn Larson said Thursday. That’s because Lihu‘e Public Library will be closing for extensive renovation starting this fall. “We do
LIHU‘E — People don’t understand why they cannot book the Lihu‘e Public Library Conference Room for upcoming events, library manager Carolyn Larson said Thursday.
That’s because Lihu‘e Public Library will be closing for extensive renovation starting this fall.
“We do not have specific dates set for the project, but we wanted to let the public know to expect this library closure of several months this fall,” Larson said. “The project is expected to take about four months and I’m hopeful it’ll be complete in December and we can re-open to full service in January.”
During the renovation project, patrons will not be able to do their “browse and borrow” of books, Larson said. But the library will be offering limited services through an interim library set up in the Lihu‘e Library Conference Room.
“I know it will be inconvenient for library patrons to have the main library closed while this renovation project is going on, but I’m so glad we can provide some library services during the months of construction,” she said.
“We have been looking forward to this renovation project for a long time and are excited to see it finally happen. Even though the library will not gain additional space, it will have a more stable environment with improved climate control which will better protect our collections and make it more comfortable for our patrons.”
The scope of the renovations include the replacement of an outdated air conditioning system, replacing picture windows which were broken by hurricanes and vandalism, installing new carpeting, upgrading light fixtures and creating work spaces for the library’s staff.
“We’re trying to preserve the architecturally historical aspect of the building,” Larson said.
“When the work is done, people looking at the library won’t notice any changes in its exterior.”
Larson said patrons can request books — either online or by coming in and getting help from the library staff — and then stop by the interim library to pick up the books on hold.
She said because DVD rentals are a popular part of the Lihu‘e Library, the staff will allow patrons to browse DVD titles to borrow.
“Borrowing DVDs from the library is very popular with our patrons and the DVDs don’t take up too much space,” said Lisa Post, the library’s head of circulation. “We will make the DVDs available to browse and borrow. Patrons can come and look through the boxes of DVD covers, select the movies they are interested in and check out the DVDs.”
Eugene Ishihara, automated systems equipment supervisor, said the library can provide a public catalog computer, but will not be able to provide public Internet access at the interim library. The library will also provide limited reference service from the interim library.
Patrons will be able to return borrowed books and DVDs at the interim library during open hours, or return books using the book drop when the library is closed.
During the renovation work, library patrons can use the regular parking area and library services will be provided during the library’s normal schedule of Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
“During the renovation, we have a great opportunity to replace some of the bookshelves and other furnishings which are old, falling apart, or in need of an upgrade,” said Larry Lee, president of the Friends of Lihu‘e Library.
Lee and the Friends’ vice president, Ann Akama, have offered to help raise funds for the furnishings, Larson said.
“We hope to raise about $250,000 to replace furniture and all the bookshelves at the library,” Akama said. “Most of the shelving is pressboard which dates from when the building was first opened in 1969. We would like to see all the shelving be baked enamel with nice-looking wood surrounds — shelves bugs won’t eat and mold won’t grow on.”
The Friends of Lihu‘e Library have identified furniture priorities for the Children’s Room, the Hawaiiana Room and for the computers.
Patrons can see the latest information on the renovation project by visiting www.lihuelibrary.com, the Friends of Lihu‘e Library website.
Larson said for residents and visitors who require full library services, the island’s other public libraries in Waimea, Hanapepe, Koloa, Kapa‘a and Princeville will remain open.
