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October 23, 2009

Library's a more welcoming place

Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Neighbor News (Dover Edition)
STAFF WRITER

By David Jimenez

What started out more than five years ago as a simple plan to extend the life of a well-used library has evolved into a major remodeling effort for Denville's Public Library that is nothing less than redefining the whole notion of how a contemporary library should feel and look.

Designed by the architectural firm of Dennis Kowal Architects, based in Somerville, the estimated $1.6-million renovation was completed last month. Initially thought of as a stop-gap measure to prolong its current use for another decade, the remodeling project provided an opportunity to resolve some age-old issues with its patrons.

"Using focus groups conducted with business owners, moms, seniors, Friends of the Library and teens, we found out that the public wanted better lighting, a separate children's area and a more comfortable atmosphere," said Betsy Kanouse, library director. "The planning took longer than the construction that began in January 2009 and lasted nine months."

Using existing floor space, the library was divided into several sections to allow room for a teen lounge, a glass-enclosed children's room, quiet reading areas, a media and computer section, and space for the library's fiction and non-fiction collection of more than 60,000 books.

The library is creatively whimsical with wood flooring and pillars meshing with rich carpeting and stone work that gives the library an outdoor feel. Even where the interior space is basically just a box, the library's design was able to inject a degree of drama. A canoe sculpture hangs above a comfortable reading area, a section of the library offering a reprieve from the day's pressure.

"The library's renovation project is self-funded," Kanouse said. "Expenses have been offset by an $800,000 contribution from the library's Board of Trustees who accumulated the money over several years. The remaining costs will be paid for by the library's operations budget, savings and fundraisers," she said.

The Denville Public Library is located at 121 Diamond Spring Road. Library hours are Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.

E-mail: jimenezd@northjersey.com

Posted by tumulty at October 23, 2009 10:29 AM

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