Because of the lack of available, affordable land parcels in our target area, we began looking at existing properties that could be renovated. The defunct Jaguar/Land Rover dealership offered a chance to have a larger library than we had hoped and in a location that would allow us to close the too-small Eagle Creek Branch, transferring that location’s staff and collections to the new library to serve both neighborhoods in a very cost-effective way. Multiple meetings and surveys allowed staff, board members, and library customers to provide input on the features and services they most wanted.

The luxury appointments in the showroom and salesmen’s offices were preserved, and very little work was required in this area. The service bay was converted to a large, stylish children’s area, complete with program room, dramatic play area, and room for future outdoor learning space. A second floor was added, with multiple meeting rooms and an analog makerspace for non-digital collaborative learning. Two of our most popular features are the gallery wall connecting the adult wing and children’s wing, where local artists can display their work, and the drive-up window for holds pick-up and book returns.

The Grand Opening was attended by 2,678 people and featured a full day of classes, performances, demonstrations, and giveaways. Already the circulation at Eastside has increased 30 percent over the Eagle Creek Branch. Attendance at children’s events increased 60 percent, and the meeting rooms and makerspace are booked through December, with a wide variety of community partners continuing to approach us with offers to conduct free programs and classes. We partnered with our local community college to offer basic adult literacy and GED preparation classes. A recently-received grant will fund construction of an outdoor learning and play space.