New library set to open doors by end of month

Courtesy Photo

A sneak peak inside the new East Regional Library, which will have a large children’s area and double the number of computers that are currently in any parish library.

The library system plans to open the doors to the new, 39,655-square-foot East Regional Library on April 26, according to head librarian Mary desBordes.

The library system had originally hoped that the building would be finished by the end of 2009, but later pushed that date back to the beginning of 2010. Right now, desBordes said workers are putting the finishing touches on the furniture to make way for the books and other library materials.

“We are extremely excited and we think everyone will be really pleased with the new building,” desBordes said.

In order to transfer materials from the current East Regional Library to the new one, that building will be closed from April 12 through April 24.

Though the new building will be two stories, the first floor will house all of the public areas. This will include both a large children’s area and a dedicated room just for the youngsters. A separate children’s room will give younger kids a place to take part in the library’s many different activities, such as interactive story time sessions. Along with the dedicated space for kids, there will also be a separate area just for the teens. In this area, which will have all of the age-specific books, teens can congregate to read.

As for computers, which is one of the main reasons that residents of all ages visit the library, there will be double the amount that are currently in any parish library.
The library will also have five study rooms and two meeting rooms. The small meeting room will hold 20 people, while the larger room will hold 70.

The second floor of the library will hold all of the administrative offices, including the technical services department that will order books for the entire library system.