Down Came the Walls

One word has been whispered, spoken, and even exclaimed more than any other at the Rosenberg Library this week: “Wow!”

On Tuesday, February 15, 2011, all entering the library were greeted by a renovated and open space void of the particle board, plastic tarp, and steel frame construction barrier walls.

Over Valentine’s Day weekend, the temporary walls standing guard between the Gibson Reading Room and the old cage area during renovations came down. The response of staff and patrons has been unanimous…we love it!

This phase of renovations has opened up the grand hallway between the north and south staircases. The regal marble flooring continues from entryway to just before the Gibson Rooms at which point a semi-rotunda of marble meets new sage vintage vine patterned carpeting.

With the walls of renovation removed, the Gibson Reading Room and old cage area (Gibson North) mirror each other, reflecting classic warmth and one-of-a-kind wood column partitions that were constructed from the original paneling of, and based upon the design of, the 3rd floor Fox Room’s original children’s department. The magazines and periodicals will move back from the old cage room into the Gibson Reading Room. The Friends of the Library book sale items will soon find a home in Gibson North (old cage).

Cherry Oak blinds now grace the windows of our 2nd floor children’s and circulation departments as well as the Gibson rooms. The floor in the reference section now sports crisp, slate colored carpeting. Renovations continue on the 3rd floor, though the Morgan Room, ideal for small group meetings, is once again open, and reservations for using the Morgan Room can be made online.

To complete flooring renovations on the 2nd level, the marble tiles will be polished and finished on Saturday, February 19th. The Rosenberg Library will be closing at 5:30pm to complete the marble floor preservation process.