Opening day and finishing touches

Opening day for the library on May 5th saw nearly 2000 people come through the front doors, and the opportunity for picture-taking was almost impossible.  I did, however, have a moment to welcome former Vernon branch head librarian Wendy Stevens, and thank her for all her hard work in previous years in getting this new branch built.  Here's a quick shot of the two of us on opening day:

We're still dealing with many issues during this settling in process, but, like a new home, it's the finishing touches that make a space feel truly welcoming.  The little garden outside the second floor south windows has been planted this week, and will provide a restful view during all seasons:

The Vernon Friends of the Library are supplying the indoor plants for the library, and the first of those arrived today.  The plants have been carefully selected for durability, and have been placed according to their light needs.  Here's just one example - this sunny corner instantly becomes even more appealing!

Artwork from the Vernon Art Gallery's permanent collection is coming soon to make your library even more lovely.  Stay tuned!

We're in!

At the end of a long and winding road, the new library for the Greater Vernon community is finally open!  The feedback the staff is receiving is overwhelmingly positive, and while there are a few things that are still being completed (HVAC, lighting, signage are some examples), we're feeling more settled every day.  If you haven't had a chance to drop by your beautiful new library, here are a few photos to provide a glimpse of the interior:

New & Popular area (movies, Quick Reads, some magazines, new books)

Reading area for families in the children's department

Popular chairs in the teen area, just under the main stairs

Some of the public computer stations on the second floor

The magazine and newspaper reading area

Some of the 140 new magazine and newspaper titles - something for everyone!

A view across the opening toward the paperback spinners



A preview of the new branch appeared on the front page of The Morning Star newspaper on May 4th.  If you happened to miss it, you can read the edition online at  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/ and clicking on the top banner (current and past eEditions), then selecting past editions for May.

It fits!

When planning this new library, we of course measured carefully to make sure shelving and furniture fit, but the most important measurement was the loading bay where the ORL van will drop off hundreds of items from other branches nearly every day.  Today was the test...as you can see below, we measured correctly - whew!

Finishes and fireplaces

The external finishing of the new branch continues at a brisk pace! Every time I drive by, I can see more cladding and masonry completed.  In January, many people expressed to me their concerns that the building was not going to be finished on time by spring (despite my reassurances), but as the outside looks more and more finished, I'm now hearing excitement from nearly everyone I meet!

Here are a few recent photos taken from inside the building:

The fireplace in the children's department 

The fireplace in the New & Popular area, just inside the front door.  The two fireplaces are almost back-to-back, but function independently.

 The second floor, looking to the southeast.  Imagine shelving, seating, carpeting and suspended lighting in place in just over two months!





Mark your calendars!

It's official...the grand opening day for the new Vernon branch is Saturday, May 5th!  We're planning a ribbon cutting, refreshments, entertainment, and lots of fun for the Greater Vernon community, who have waited SO long for this day.  More information will come, as plans are firmed up.

Many of you will have seen the front-page article in the Feb. 19 edition of the Morning Star, announcing the opening date.  To clarify a comment by ORL's director about the lack of growth of collections in the new branch, our customers will indeed see an increase in some collections…magazines and newspapers for example. However, because the branch is part of a regional system with a floating collection, added titles in many other collections would be requested (through the online catalogue) by customers in other branches before even reaching Vernon's shelves!

This building is designed to accommodate both immediate and gradual growth of collections, and will feature much more space for our customers to not only browse and check out materials, but also to gather, read, work, access the Internet, or just sit and contemplate the view! 

Speaking of views, I'm hoping temporary difficulties in uploading photos will be resolved soon, and I'll have much more to share!

Eleven weeks and counting...yikes!

Coming along....

I'm happy to be back on track after this lengthy absence!  Look for regular posts from now on until the new library opens later this spring.  Dates for closing the current branch for the big move and the grand opening of the new one are being finalized, and will be announced soon.

I was finally able to get back on the new site last week, and I can report that the interior is quickly taking shape.  The walls are up, most of the windows have been installed, and the ductwork and electrical wiring are nearing completion. Not exactly pretty yet, but all part of the big picture! 

The long tube that carries warm air from the outside generator into the building - a necessity during winter construction.

The windows on the east side of the multi-purpose room.  Blinds will be installed for privacy and light control.

On the second floor now, looking up to the ceiling, where the underside of the roof decking is being painted a beige colour, in contrast to the un-painted silver.

The computer lab - it's hard to appreciate the size of this space, but the natural light from the windows (facing east) will be nice. Blinds will reduce glare on the computer monitor screens.

The hanging wires for the suspended lighting system make quite an artistic image, I think!



  In preparation for the exterior finishes, the coverings and tarps make the building look particularly colourful!

Still on track

Since my last post almost a month ago, much has been happening on the construction site, although perhaps not so noticably and dramatically as when the exterior walls and roof were going up!

The focus these last few weeks has been on mechanical and electrical work, insulation, and most recently, the installation of the glazing (windows).  With the onset of colder weather, the construction crew will be very glad to have the building sealed, and some heat turned on inside!

The photos below were taken last week:

                           Glazing at the main entry to the library - very bright and welcoming

The clerestory windows beneath the roof line, bringing in plenty of natural light to the second floor 

The beautiful big windows in the children's area

Windows on the exterior wall of the multipurpose/meeting room - what a nice change this will be!

A view of the western side of the building, showing the glazing on the second floor.  When the long orange tarp is removed, the dramatic two-storey glazing in the main stair area will be revealed!