Library's renovations will increase efficiency

By ERIKA VIDAL
Published September 1, 2006

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Trips to John F. Germany Public Library are about to get a lot easier thanks to a renovation project.

Soon, customers can check out and drop off books, apply for library cards and access reference materials all at one desk. The library also is expanding the Friends of the Library bookstore.

"It was time to evaluate how we were doing things," chief librarian Nelida Miranda said. "Most of the branches already have just one service desk."

Library officials hope combining the reference and circulation desks will make the library at 900 N Ashley Drive easier to navigate. Crews are tearing out the second set of glass doors at the main entrance and installing new tile.

The Ashley entrance has been closed since construction started Aug. 14. While work continues, customers access the library through the west side of the building.

The bookstore also has been closed because of safety concerns, said Friends of the Library president Karen McClure. The expanded bookstore will sell headsets, pens, pencils and other items patrons have requested.

The entrance and the bookstore are scheduled to reopen Sept. 15. The cost of the project is $188,000, said David Wullschleger, operations manager for the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System.

Once the interior work is finished, crews will replace doors at the west entrance and add colorful lettering to the building's exterior. Officials hope the partial makeover will help improve efficiency and increase the central library's visibility.

Erika Vidal can be reached at 813 226-3339 or evidal@sptimes.com