By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews
YACHATS — With a $1.09 million makeover coming soon, the Yachats Library has plans in place to keep offering its full range of services almost seamlessly during the transition period.
Groundbreaking on the expansion and remodel of the 49-year-old library on West Seventh Street is expected to happen by early fall. Very soon — although the date has to be announced — Room 7 in Yachats Commons will serve as a “mini-library,” with hundreds of books and other materials available on a reduced schedule.
“We plan to move approximately 500-600 popular adult books” to the Commons, based on check-outs and new additions, said library administrator Traci Altson. In addition, some 300 children’s books and general periodicals will be available, along with two public computers and a printer. Hours will be noon to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
The library needs to close entirely to move books and physically set up the temporary site, which will be accessible from the northeast door of the Commons. The closure could take anywhere from one to three weeks, and is partly dependent on getting computers and phones set up, Altson said. The closure date will be publicized one it is determined when the move will take place.
As the remodel proceeds, the library will use its temporary home to let patrons check out materials, of course, and also continue buying new books and e-books, allowing people to request books, and taking donations for Friends of Yachats Library’s book sales.
“We’ve had lots of meetings and conversations to create a space that’s still welcoming and useful to our patrons,” said Altson of the Room 7 site.
One thing that won’t change during the transition is the ability to see all new books and available materials through the Friends of Yachats Library website. Library card-holders who have registered may search the materials available in Room 7 by visiting this link.
“This will give people an accurate picture of what will be available in Room 7, so they can peruse the offerings in advance, place books on hold, and use their time in our mini-library more efficiently,” Altson said.
In addition, the library has recently acquired a new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader, now available to check out. Patrons must be over 18, live in the 97498 zip code and get a personal identification number to check out the e-reader.
Work on the existing library site includes a remodel of the 2,400-square-foot building, and adding 1,200 square feet. A new community room will be a feature, plus an area for teens and children and two restrooms.