WESTMINSTER — The Wesminster Library should feel a bit roomier now.

The library, 50 E. Main St., re-opened at 9 a.m. today after a second phase of renovations that reorganized the layout of the library.

“The building is 22,000 square feet, but all of the activity was happening in 800 square feet,” said Lynn Wheeler, director of Carroll County Public Libraries.

The branch has been closed for a month for renovation and remodeling. Included in the work completed to date are: complete carpet installation, new shelving, service desk remodeling, lighting and painting. New features included as part of the remodeling are smaller, more functional service desks to allow space for self-service options, programming, an expanded area for computers, and a new DVD dispenser.

The computers are relocated away from the entrance to provide a better flow, too, Wheeler said.

The latest phase is part of a $1.6 million renovation project funded by the county, state and the library’s foundation.

Phase three will start in the fall and will be funded by an $183,000 state grant, also matched by the county.

The children’s area will be completed, featuring a train motif, new teen area equipment will be included.

The children’s section “was just stuffed back in that alcove,” Wheeler said. Soon, the little ones can do some exploring around the library.

“We’re creating a neat little train tunnel for the children’s area,” she said.

Phase three, to be completed in two parts, includes exterior work where Mary Lou Dewey Park in front of the library will have a new look.

“Over 30 years, (the ivy) has gotten horribly overgrown,” Wheeler said. “Ivy has created pockets of unusable space.”

The sidewalk and patio will feature new landscaping and brickwork and will feature more green space and a new performance stage, she said. Work on that section will not begin until November.

A brick wall along Locus Lane will also be torn down to provide a more aesthetic connection with the street, she said.

If you go
Westminster Library
50 E. Main St.
Westminster
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday
For more information, visit http://library.carr.org/hours_locations/westminster.asp or call 410-386-4490.

---

user comments (0)