Tuscaloosa Public Library turns page after $2.4 million renovation

The sounds of children playing games in the children's section drifted through the Tuscaloosa Public Library recently while traditional library patrons browsed the stacks, read, and checked out materials.

While the library is functioning much the same as it always has, it is sporting a new look and some new technology after a closure for renovations earlier this month .

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Most notably, the circulation desk that used to sit inside the main entrance is gone. The desk has been replaced by several automated kiosks where patrons can check out their materials. Librarians are standing by to help, but the new-look library is open and functioning.

Library Executive Director Jennifer Pearson is happy with the way things are going. The library had closed for the first 10 days of July to facilitate some of work. The $2.4 million renovation was funded by a grant from the city of Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County and the city of Northport.

"So far, so good. The staff are getting adjusted to everything and we are working to help the patrons get adjusted and trained how to use the new technology. It looks like it is going to be a success," Pearson said.

The major change affecting patrons is the removal of the circulation desk where all materials used to be checked out and checked in.

"Part of this renovation, we eliminated the circulation desk and installed four new self-check machines. Then we also installed three smart shelves. They use RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) panels, they work similar to our vending machines, but they automatically check in all of your items. We will always have a staff member standing by to help. We are still here," Pearson said.

Sarah Rickman, a former library employee who was in with her children said, "I worked here back in 2011. The look is great and the operating seems very easy. It looks great."

Ethan Horton, a young library patron, said "I just think it's really nice they did this. Now we can check out as many books as possible at whatever speed we want."

Most of the other renovations are less noticeable and don't have a direct impact on patrons' library experience. New LED lighting was installed throughout the building and new ceiling tiles were installed on the second floor. Leaking drainage pipes in the roof had caused a great many problems. The cast-iron drainpipes were replaced and the roof was completely redone.

Pearson said the old roof had sagged and become completely flat over the years, allowing water to collect in low spots rather than run off into the drain. The cast iron drainpipes had also rusted through and were allowing water to leak into the library. The roof was taken down to the concrete and remade with the proper slope so it will drain.

The building's HVAC system was also changed to provide a greater degree of comfort, as well as improving the efficiency of the system. The next phase of renovation is to replace the carpeting. Pearson said the library is in talks with the City of Tuscaloosa, Northport, and Tuscaloosa County to secure funding for what will likely be a $500,000 project.

"Tuscaloosa has approved their share at $256,000. We hope to replace the carpet with LVT, luxury vinyl tile, in places and carpet in others. The LVT is a more cleanable surface, but we won't put it through the whole library. For noise control, we don't want to do the whole floor," Pearson said.

For patrons who might be a little uncertain about the changes, Pearson said, "Don't let the changes overwhelm you. We are still here. We are here to help. We will have staff stationed out on the floor around the circulation areas to help you through the process in the coming months."

The library, which is at 1801 Jack Warner Parkway, is open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon until 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday.

Reach Gary Cosby Jr. at gary.cosby@tuscaloosanews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Tuscaloosa Public Library turns page after $2.4 million renovation