Sebastopol Library to undergo 3-month facelift: Project will go forward on approval of library commission

The Sebastopol Library will be closed for about three months
early next year while it undergoes a major remodel, pending the
approval of the Library Commission at its December meeting.
There are no current plans for a temporary full-service replacement
facility during the renovation, meaning computers and library
materials, such as shelves and shelves of books, will not be
available to the public during the closure.
However, staff is looking for a small space that can be used as a
station for the public to pick up requested items and return
materials. A space for story times during the closure is also being
investigated, Branch Manager Sue Struthers said.
These spaces have not been designated yet, but there have been
talks with the Veterans Memorial Hall and the Sebastopol Community
Cultural Center, she said.
The remodel timeline, including the length of the closure, and
beginning dates are also not yet available, but should be known
once the project is approved by the Library Commission, she said,
noting, however, the “tentative” renovation start date is Feb.
1.
“The main focus of the remodel is safety and improved ergonomics
for staff,” Struthers said. “The ergonomics of workspaces for staff
will be improved with adjustable height tables, and a workflow that
reduces repetitive motion for staff,” she said.
Shelving in the library will also be replaced and seismically
braced, carpeting will be replaced, the lighting will be upgraded
to provide a “lighter, brighter interior,” while being more energy
efficient and skylights will be replaced to provide additional
light, Struthers said.
In addition, wiring upgrades will be made to support the technology
used in the library and more public computer stations will be
added. Also, a covered area will be installed over the delivery
area to save time and materials during rainy weather, Struthers
said.
“Currently drivers must protect each book truck with covers when
materials are removed from trucks and others loaded onto trucks,”
she said.
Finally, public and staff restrooms will be upgraded to comply with
ADA regulations.
Friends of the Sebastopol Library and a bequest from “Mrs.
Cogsdell,” a deceased Sebastopol resident, are providing most of
the funding for the project.
Asked about the cost of the remodel, Struthers said they were still
waiting for the estimate to come in. However, she did say the
Friends of the Library donated roughly $215,000 and Cogsdell, about
$100,000, and that the money is being held for the remodel.
Additional donations are welcome and would be used to complete the
space with new furnishings.
The renovation plan will be on the agenda for approval at the Dec.
5, Library Commission meeting.
“Nothing will go forward without approval from the Library
Commission,” Struthers said.