When renovations to Iola Public Library began in April 2010, a priority was to be able to provide a meeting room for both library personnel and members of the community.
Beginning in August, a series of library activities are planned in the new room in conjunction with an open house to show off changes at the library.
Activities planned are a trivia afternoon, computer classes, Kansas Humanities programs and SUDOKU, game and craft nights, said Roger Carswell, director of the library.
The meeting room is available for activities of a civic, cultural or educational nature and for the discussion of current public questions and concerns. Families are also welcome to rent the room for receptions and birthday parties. An adult must be in attendance when minors are present.
The room was made possible by taking half of the space delegated to the Southeast Kansas Library System. Access to the room is from the parking lot on the west side of the library.
The room is available from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and can accommodate up to 64 people. No fee, admission charge or donation is permitted for entrance into any event.
No cooking is allowed in the new meeting room, however, food or Crockpots for keeping food warm may be brought in. Three coffee makers, a microwave and sink are available for participants’ use.
The room also boast a ceiling projector and hookups for PowerPoint programs.
The room may be reserved up to six months in advance or with as little as 24 hours’ notice. The cost of the room is $30 for four hours and $10 for each additional hour. A $50 refundable deposit is required and will be returned if the room is left in the same clean condition as it was when rented.
OTHER LIBRARY renovations include a Page Break area designed by Lesa Cole, public services librarian.
A small table and chairs are available in a nook between the main area of the library and genealogy section for people sit and have a cup of coffee and read magazines and newspapers.
All DVDs and compact disks have been moved to the main entrance of the library. The children’s and genealogy areas were not moved.
The bathrooms have been updated to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Bathrooms are also unisex and have a baby changing areas.
“I think people will like the changes we’ve made. With the new lighting and signage we believe it will be easier for patrons to navigate their way through the library,” Carswell said.
