Thanks to The North 40 Tavern for their support. A north woods tavern somewhere in the middle of a big city. They regularly rotate tap beers, so stop in to see what’s currently flowing.
After 13 months of renovation, the Wentworth Library reopened today. An excited group gathered just before the doors opened. People flowed in all morning as library staff scurried around to answer questions and make last-minute tweaks.
Event: The library will host a celebration event tonight from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting, choir performance, and more.
“I like that everyone is excited to be here,” said Tari, one of the library visitors who arrived before the doors opened.
Eager to Open
A small group of about 20 people showed up just before 9 a.m. when the doors opened. One library user, Dan, played acoustic music on his guitar while people waited. They were excited to see the newly remodeled space, check out the new children’s section, and use the study rooms, internet and self-service hours again.
- “I always see people I know when I come,” said Melissa. “I see people I haven’t seen in forever and they’re always at the library.”
- “The sense of community is really huge,” said Morgan. “It’s so nice to see so many people of different age groups and backgrounds all together in one shared space.”
More people kept trickling in as the morning went on, checking out new features in the children’s area, using the computers and study rooms, and curling up in chairs with books and newspapers. Staff were excited to welcome library patrons into the space.
Sunshine, who came with her children Naomi and Kenzo, was excited for the return of storytime at the library. “She used to go as a baby, and now it’s going to be his turn.” It was Kenzo’s first visit to Wentworth Library since he was born after it closed for renovations.
The New Space
While the footprint didn’t change with the renovation, the interior was rearranged. There are now more study rooms and conference room spaces, a sensory-friendly calming room, a children’s area with new play features, and more.
Why: Originally built in 1992, Wentworth Library was last renovated in 2008 and Dakota County keeps their facilities on a regular rotation for updates. In addition to wear and tear, the building needed mechanical updates. The building had plumbing issues with backups and the HVAC system was outdated.
New: Subtle features throughout the library include:
- A window next to the book return conveyor belt.
- A mural in the lobby by local artist Shea Maze.
- Tech and tools available for use including a 3D printer, cutting machine, sticker maker, sewing machines, and more.
- A children’s area with nooks, a light table, dramatic play, peg wall, and more.
- A “study bar”—a counter along a stretch of windows with outlets and charging stations.
- Several secluded areas including a calming space, the teen section, and a quiet study room.
- New comfy furniture can be found throughout the library.
- The children’s area has a second mural that highlights Oak Grove Pond, the Thompson Oaks Bridge, and Wentworth Library.
Reaction
“So good,” said Morgan who visited with her partner and one-year-old daughter on her daughter’s birthday. “Worth the wait.”
“I love it,” said Tari. She specifically mentioned the welcoming and inclusive space, the room for quiet/alone time, more computers, and the incredible children’s area. “There’s just more space for all of us to share our love for books and resources.”
More to come: The library still has plans to add an outdoor patio.
- “I’m super excited for the patio to be built,” said Tari. “Reading outside is always refreshing and I think it’ll be a hit!”
Update: Celebration Event
See pics, video, and comments from the celebration event.
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