By Kiri Palm, Aurora Public Library, West Branch manager
There were a lot of important questions I was asked while interviewing for my position as the West Branch Manager, but one really stood out: How do you feel about a branch renovation? It was an exciting prospect and an undertaking I’ve dreamt of adding to my Librarian portfolio. Library design and building use is one of my favorite things to think about, much to my loved ones’ chagrin. While there will always be places for books, storytimes, and answers to all sorts of questions, recent years have seen a shift in libraries; their most important service nowadays might just be serving simply as a space for the community. When West Branch first opened in 1998, the internet was in its infancy, cassette and VHS tapes were waning in popularity, and libraries were a place to be quiet. We never could have imagined what the next thirty years would hold. Our services and community have grown, changed, and adapted to the 21st Century. Now it’s our building’s turn to do the same.
Above all else, we aim to preserve the welcoming atmosphere that you love about West Branch. You’ll see this reflected in the large extension on the east side of the building with its bright windows and comfy chairs, perfect for curling up with a book and enjoying the sunshine. Speaking of sunshine, we’re improving our HVAC and energy systems to keep the building at a comfortable temperature, regardless of the weather. New spaces being added include a sensory-sensitive room for individuals to decompress, a private nursing room for parents, and multiple single-stall bathrooms. These additions keep everyone’s comfort in mind while visiting the library.
West Branch shares walls with Washington Middle School, and many students spend their after-school hours with us. Back in 2022, our community emphasized the importance of prioritizing these customers and encouraging them to spend more time here. I’m delighted to share that the renovated branch will welcome our WMS neighbors with a large, dedicated area right when you walk in, offering video games, computers, and spaces to gather and socialize. We’ll also be adding our own Makerspace, which is sure to support creative and innovative kids through programming and unique technology.
There’s so much more to talk about when it comes to our renovation, and I’m excited to share all the details with you. We are hosting several informational sessions open to our community to experience what the branch will look like in VR, see and touch textiles and answer your questions. Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m., come join us at the West Branch to see what we’re cooking up. Our Santori Library will host an additional session Thursday, May 7 at 2 p.m., which will also be available virtually via Zoom. Habrá una reunion en la Sucursal West el 29 de abril a las 7 p.m., en español, tambien disponible por Zoom.
For more information, check out our renovation page on the APLD website: https://www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/wbrenovations
We can’t wait to bring you aboard and continue this journey together!