A few photos snapped before opening this morning!

Take the elevator or the stairs!

Take the elevator or the stairs to the lower level . . .
. . . and you'll find our "bird book" outside the Genealogy & Local History Department.

You'll also discover the art gallery just outside the meeting rooms.

Ground Level Greetings

A kiosk greets patrons on the ground level with maps to guide them to desired locations within the newly renovated library.

Our Children's Department is conveniently located on the ground level and is designed for our youngest patrons to enjoy books, computers, and activity areas.

The creation of this wonderful window seat is most inviting!

Views from the Upper Level

The upper floor is home to the Adult & Teen Department, including plenty of places to relax with the newspaper, magazine, or a good book!

Welcome!

The Circulation Desk is located in the middle of the ground floor. Movies, Music and More is conveniently located adjacent to this area for ease of check-out.

This is an inside shot of the "Materials Return." The drop-off is now located in the alley on the south face of the library, allowing patrons to return materials from their car. Materials drop into two boxes in the Circulation Department's nonpublic space indoors, ending the need to bring materials in from a parking lot drop box.

Public Grand Opening - 10-10-10

Library staff pose for a quick photo before opening!

Library board members and architect at the ribbon-cutting ceremony ~Director Charles Joray is holding the far end of the ribbon at the east entrance of the newly renovated building.

YOU are Invitied! 10-10-10

The public Grand Opening of the newly renovated building at 220 N. Union St. is set for Sunday, October 10 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
After the riboon cutting ceremony at 2:00 p.m., tour all three floors and discover the new home of KHCPL Main. Popcorn and drinks will be provided in the parking lot, and the Adventure II bookmobile will be open to the public.
SEE YOU THERE!

Waiting for the Children!

Pictured here is Howard the Bear, mascot of KHCPL. Howard is sitting in the new window seat on the main level in the Children's Department awaiting the arrival of children at the Grand Opening planned for Sunday, October 10 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. YOU ARE INVITED!


Here, Howard the Bear tries out the Librarian's chair at the desk in the center of the Children's Department . . . still much to do before the library is ready for our little ones!

Moving in continues!

A reading area with comfortable seated is located on the upper level in the Adult & Teen Department near the Reference Desk.


The new Movies, Music & More audiovisual area is located on the ground floor of the renovated library next to the Circulation Desk for easy checkout. Beginning on October 10, there will no longer be checkout fees associated with audiovisual materials.

Sneak Peek

City of Firsts glass etching in process . . .
This project is funded in part by the Community Foundation of Howard County.

Inside Views - GROUND LEVEL

Looking east on the ground level--raised area on the right is the vending/snack area.

Soon-to-be vending/snack area on the ground level.



Union Street stairway at the ground level.

Children's Department

Children's Reference Desk - located on the Ground Level

Two views of the Meeting Room located in the Children's Department.

Transition to Begin Next Week

Work continues on the ramp and stairs which will accommodate patrons who enter from the east side, off the parking lot, into the newly renovated building, as seen above.

On September 13, staff will begin the process of shifting materials, as they prepare for the move back into the building this fall.

Many hands . . . are required for stained glass installation!

This is a just a preview of the Genealogy & Local History Department that will be located in the lower level of the renovated library . . .

'City of Firsts' Etched Glass Display

Preparation is underway for the City of Firsts display that will feature several panels of etched glass on the main floor. This project is funded in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Howard County.

Let the sun shine in . . .

Shelving in the Adult & Teen area will soon be ready for books!


Panoramic view of the Children's Depatment before shelving arrives.

New EAST Entrance

The new east entrance that opens into the parking area is almost ready.

Canopy Over the New Bookdrop

The new bookdrop will be on the south side of the library building next to the YMCA.

Work Continues Inside

Work Continues Outside

Parking lot entrance will be a reality!


Staining begins on the south side . . .

Testing Brick Stains

Book Shelving is Going Up!

The second floor is being prepared to accomodate the adult and teen book collection.

Stained Glass Entry Planned for Genealogy & Local History Department

Staff at KOG select and prepare glass for the project.

View from Union Street entrance--this is the wall that will support the City of Firsts etched glass.

New lights illuminate the stairway on the Union St. entrance side.

Hard Hat Tours for Staff have been Enjoyable!

Staff prepare for another round of Hard Hat Tours with Bob!


This is the view from the second floor of the east stairwell.