2013 is an Exciting Year of Change

We’re only a few days into the new year and it is already a whirlwind of activity in preparation for the exciting changes underway in 2013 at the Library. We are continuing to ramp up hiring to rebuild staffing and hours at Branch Libraries. The long-awaited new Central Library is also just a few months away from opening in July 2013. The current Central Library staff is busily getting ready.

One huge project that is underway is preparing our materials for the new automated material handling system. This new system allows library users to drop the book in a slot and the item will be carried on a conveyor belt. Then the system checks-in the item and automatically sorts it into a bin for the correct floor in the new library or to a bin for branch libraries. This will significantly streamline processing and free staff, so they can provide more direct service to the public.

Library Aide Gwendolyn Bell Prepares
Books for New Material Handling System

Our plan is for a library mover to move the 1.5 million items we have in our collection to the new library. In addition to a traditional library move that requires moving very heavy books and other materials on the public access floors, the mover will be tasked with organizing and moving items from our two basement levels. In the new library the basement materials will be interfiled into the shelves with the other materials (like shuffling giant decks of cards), so that all of our materials can be easily accessed and browsed by library users.

I’m happy to say that the new Central Library construction is almost 80% complete! Final touches on all floors are underway. Carpet is going in now and shelving and furniture are not far behind. The auditorium construction is underway with the outside walls already going up. Check out our real time webcam to see the progress for yourself.

There is much more behind the scenes work being done to prepare for the new Central move. We are also working on some exciting projects that will impact the future of our branches and the library system as a whole. I know we will look back at the end of 2013 and be amazed at just how much progress was made that directly touches the lives of the people we serve.

P.S. There is also still time for you to participate in the Buy-A-Brick campaign to leave a lasting impact on the new Central Library and on the Library system. Make your brick contribution by January 31 to ensure your brick is installed by the Library’s opening in July 2013. Call the Library Foundation at 619-238-6638 for information or additional naming opportunities.