Conversations are beginning to take shape in addressing spacing issues at the Emporia Public Library.
Library Director Robin Newell, a guest on KVOE’s Talk of Emporia Monday morning, says over the years the library’s patronage has grown exponentially, so much in fact space at the library is becoming rather “tight.” While some may view this as a problem, Newell prefers to look at it as an opportunity.
She says there are no concrete plans at this time on how to tackle the space issue, however, they do know the first area they will look to address is the children’s space. Along with this, she says ideas have been “floated around” on creating more meeting rooms, an early literacy center, auditorium, maker space and more.
She says they will be working to spark conversations and generate more concrete ideas in the coming year.
Speaking of work, the library has and will continue to see its fair share of work in the coming days. Last week the library was closed Thursday and Friday for their annual deep cleaning.
Also Thursday work began in the library parking lot on the City of Emporia’s downtown sanitary sewer project. Newell says this work will not disrupt the library’s hours of operation, however, there are a few temporary changes for patrons to be aware of.
The abundance of work comes as the library is in the midst of celebrating its 150th anniversary. At 150 years old, the library is the oldest continuously operating library in Kansas.
To mark this momentous occasion the library will be presenting a speaker series — the very first event held by the library back in 1869 — through the next several months. The speakers include author Dennis Garcia, professional storyteller Pippa White, historical performer Jeffery Smith and researcher Deborah Divine.
For more information or questions on everything happening at the Emporia Public Library visit Emporialibrary.org.
