Gail Borden Public Library is reducing the size of its computer lab to create space for more children’s and adult programs.
“We are finding we’re really being challenged for space,” said Denise Raleigh, division chief, public relations and development.
Last year, the library hosted 3,014 programs — about 250 a month, Raleigh said. “Over 4,500 people attended programs at the main library in the month of September 2019 alone. We are not able to accommodate all community program needs currently because we do not have enough programming space available.”
At the same time, computer usage dropped by 26% in recent years, Raleigh said.
As a result, half of the existing computer lab will be turned into a flexible space, she said, with the number of computers reduced from 60 to 29. The library plans to add stations where patrons can borrow a laptop to work on and use anywhere in the library, she said.
“We have made these temporary changes in order to serve this community better,” Raleigh said. “We always have our ear to the ground to ensure we continue to meet people’s needs and expectations. We strive mightily to adapt our space to meet community needs.”
Renovations should be completed by January. Meanwhile, the computer lab is relocated to the library’s second floor.
“We’ll be adding laptops for checkout in the next few days,” she said. “We have worked hard to ensure that there is continued access for computer users during this renovation period.”
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
