LIHU‘E — Carolyn Larson, the librarian at the Lihu‘e Public Library, is concerned about the public, especially the students, who visit the library for study or to “hang out” after school. “Unfortunately, we will no longer be able to provide
LIHU‘E — Carolyn Larson, the librarian at the Lihu‘e Public Library, is concerned about the public, especially the students, who visit the library for study or to “hang out” after school.
“Unfortunately, we will no longer be able to provide a place for students, or the general public, to study or hang out,” Larson said in a release. “We are concerned that families who have been in the habit of letting their children go to the library after school will no longer have this option and will need to make alternative after-school arrangements.”
Repair and renovation work has already started at the Lihu‘e Library as workers continued work trenching for the new air conditioning system on the west end of the library Wednesday while patrons waited patiently for the doors to open.
The renovation project will include replacing an outdated air conditioning system and ductwork, replacing picture windows, which were broken during storms and boarded up, installing new carpeting, upgrading light fixtures and creating custodian and information technology work spaces.
Lihu‘e Public Library hosts the Information and Technology Office for all six public libraries on Kaua‘i.
The Lihue Library Renovation Project is using designated funds to replace the air condition system, including all the ductwork, with an energy-efficient system, which is designed to provide a more stable environment to protect the collections and improve climate control to make the spaces more comfortable for library patrons, a Friends of the Lihu‘e Public Library release states.
“We have been looking forward to this renovation project for a long time and are excited to see it finally happen,” Larson said. “We anticipate a more stable environment with improved climate control, which will better protect our collections and make it more comfortable for our patrons.”
Janet Perea, Librarian III, said the main library area will be closing in October, just a few weeks away.
“We want to let the public know to expect this library main area closure for several months this fall,” Larson said.
During the closure, an interim library, operating during the Lihu‘e Library’s normal public service hours, will be established in the library’s conference room.
The interim library will allow patrons to return borrowed materials, browse and borrow new books and DVDs and have access to limited reference services.
Any other borrowing will be through using the library system’s request-and-hold systems. The Lihu‘e Library staff will be available to help request materials and check out items, which are being held for patrons.
A public access catalog will be available, but there will be no public Internet access computers available or places to sit.
“I know it will be inconvenient for library users to have the main library area closed while this renovation project is going on, but I’m so glad we can provide some library services during the months of construction,” Larson said.
Residents and visitor who require full library services can visit other public libraries at Waimea, Hanapepe, Koloa, Kapa‘a and Princeville.
Lihu‘e Public Library patrons can track the latest information on the renovation project at the Friends of the Lihu‘e Public Library website at www.lihuelibrary.com.
Hours for the Lihu‘e Public Library are Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Visit www.lihuelibrary.com for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
