Hoover Public Library reopens with new look

Hoover Public Library reopened Saturday, Sept. 12 after about a month of renovations.

The library remained open with limited services during many of the changes, but ended up closing for final touches, said Patricia Guarino, assistant director and the library’s project manager for the project.

“Now that it’s almost over, it [the renovation] went great,” Guarino said. “As with any construction program, it had its challenges, but we really had a great team with our contractors.”

Guarino said she appreciated the hard work by the companies the library worked with, as well as the patience of library patrons. She said library staff looks forward to sharing the renovations with visitors.

The makeover includes an updated color scheme, new carpet and updated computer carrels. The children’s area is also receiving new colorful and child-sized furniture. Her favorite part of the library is the color, Guarino said, which was utilized by the interior designer.

“She did a fabulous job of pulling the colors together in each of the departments,” Guarino said.

The new computer carrels also bring an openness to the space, she said.

“They just have such a modern look compared to the wooden carrels we had for years and years,” she said. “It just opens up the area and makes it feel just modern and open.”

When the library re-opened on Sept. 12, there were special treats for the first 1,500 guests and staff to answer questions about the renovations. While everything is in the same place as before, Guarino said staff is happy to talk about the updates made to the library.

“We just really appreciate our patrons’ patience with us during the month of August, with our limited services,” Guarino said. “We’re looking forward to getting back to business as usual with our new, vibrant look.”