Major interior renovation planned for Boardman library

BOARDMAN

A small but dedicated group of library patrons expressed support and excitement Monday for a major interior renovation project that is planned for the Boardman branch of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

“It looks to me like it’s going to be positive,” said Barbara Huberty, secretary of Friends of Boardman Library. “I think they’re going to modernize it and make it more usable.”

“I use the library all the time,” said Dee Snyder, president of the group. “I’m very impressed, I think it looks like it will work well.”

The public weighed in on the renovation plan at a meeting Monday with representatives of Olsavsky Jaminet Architects Inc.

Proposed changes include:

• Creation of a “highly visible” feature area, including a large-screen television, that would display items the library staff wants to highlight.

• Addition of a coffee counter.

• Merger of the clerks’ and librarians’ services desks into a single-service desk.

• Modification of an existing classroom into an activity center that is more visible from other parts of the library.

• Addition of an “adult terrace” for outdoor reading/sitting that would be adjacent to a new children’s garden.

• Installation of return slots that send library materials straight into the building.

• Addition of power plugs throughout the building.

• Installation of a new front walkway.

• Addition of a “featured/high demand materials” area that will act as a casual sitting area.