Library renovations to feature pre-literacy focus

By KATIE SEMINARA

Renovations in county libraries have increased usage.

YOUNGSTOWN — Story time is a thing of the past.

The libraries of today are more than just rows of books on dusty shelves, said Carlton Sears, Youngstown and Mahoning County library director.

Two area libraries are being renovated — and revitalized — to become more modern and better serve the surrounding communities.

The Newport branch at the corner of Market Street and Midlothian Boulevard and the East branch at the corner of East High Avenue and Early Road are expected to open for public use in February 2009.

The idea for these libraries is all about “modernizing,” said Sears.

Story time for children is a simple activity, but when libraries reassess the needs of their patrons, activities like story time gain a bigger meaning.

“We are adding a lot to what people have previously seen,” he said. “Libraries have become more active.”

Both branches will be equipped with various-sized meeting rooms, areas targeted specifically to teens and children and for access to the latest technology.

Library heads even gave community users the opportunity to discuss ideas with architects concerning what they would choose for the new space, said Sears.

One of the big requests was for an early-literacy area, and both branches adapted interactive space for babies to learn with adults.

“The focus on pre-literacy is the newest focus for us,” said Sears.

Rooms will be enveloped with textures, sounds and visuals, taking into consideration studies that show what children up to age 5 need to develop on their path to learning, he said.

“The early-literacy area will be a transforming aspect of these branches,” said Janet Loew, library communications and public relations director.

“It’s one of the ways the library is addressing the needs of the community,” she said.

Three other branches in the area were also transformed to better serve the needs of community members, and numbers over the years have shown the increase in usage.

Poland’s branch opened in 2001 and usage numbers increased 90 percent. The branch in Austintown opened in 2002 and also had an approximate 90 percent jump in patrons. Springfield Township was the latest remodeled space in 2006, and since then a usage increase of 250 percent has been recorded.

During 2009 when Newport and East open, Sears said, they will most likely see a spike in numbers. Because of the newness factor and publicity, people will visit the branches when they first open, causing a surge in usage, he said.

People have not only shown an interest in the libraries, but the property surrounding the libraries.

The investment in library revitalization caused a chain reaction with businesses and community members.

“Different neighborhood groups see this as an opportunity to reinvigorate their area,” said Sears. “It’s really exciting, because they can add to the area.”

Donations for East and Newport are being accepted to help the branches financially. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

For more information on pledging to the new branches, contact Deborah Liptak, development director, at (330) 744-8636, Ext. 118.