Wentworth Library Reopens May 6

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After a 13-month closure for renovations, Wentworth Library will reopen on May 6.

“We are very excited to share the new space with our community—to see what their favorite part of the library will be and how they will find new ways to use their library to connect and explore,” said Branch Manager Stacy Lenarz.

Timing: The library will reopen for regularly staffed hours at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6. There will be a celebration event that evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

• “We are working with our team to create an event that celebrates everyone involved and re-introduces the space to our community,” said Lenarz. Stay tuned for more details on that event.

New Library Space

“The whole Wentworth team met over at Wentworth last week,” said Lenarz. “There wasn’t any furniture yet, but we loved to see so many community requests and staff ideas reflected in the results. We are thrilled with each new part completed and each new piece that arrives at the library.”

What’s new:

• Updated children’s area with new interactive play items.
• More accessible meeting and study rooms.
• Public art in the lobby by local artist Shea Maze.
• A quiet zone.
• A calming space.
• Refreshed interiors with new furniture.

Here’s a sneak peek at the renovated Wentworth Library:

What’s Next

“County, library and Wentworth staff will be working hard the next couple of months to finish the final touches and to create engaging programming and events for our first summer back in the library,” said Lenarz.

• There’s still plenty of work to do between now and May 6: “The contractors are working on a short list of punch list items and final cleaning,” said Lenarz. “County staff will work through March and April to install furniture, equipment, and furnishings, including shelving, to prepare for the reopening.”
• Outdoor space: “Later this summer the County will work to create an exterior patio space on the east side of the library, along with a native planting bed and sidewalk connection to the trail along Wentworth Avenue,” said Lenarz.
• Temporary space: The temporary library space at the Dakota County Northern Service Center will continue through April 24. The book drop outside the Northern Service Center will remain available until May 6.

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