Renovated Northern District Library

Not my photo

My local library branch, Northern District Library, finally reopened after over a year undergoing renovations. I dropped by to pick up books I had on hold there.

I have to say it looks great. It's much more open. I believe the bookshelves are lower allowing more natural light to pass through from the many windows. There are also neat seating arrangements like a lounge area and bench seating with tables. I'm really impressed.

The only thing I didn't like was the identification labels on the front of the shelves. They only read "Fiction" or "Non-Fiction" and the identification number of the books. In the past they said what kind of books were on the particular shelves like Travel or Photography or whatever.

Here's a descriptions of the changes from the Toronto Public Library website:

Improvements include:

• More accessible community space: Convenient furniture and shelving layout; additional fully accessible washrooms on the main floor; new interior entrance doors with barrier-free access to all areas of the library. More study and program space.

• Improved customer service: Self-service technologies including express check-out and check-in; new customer service and information desks. Digital signage to promote library programs and services.

• Increased access to technology for research, learning, working and recreation: New computer learning centre with smart board technology. Additional seating with outlets for laptop use throughout the branch.

• Welcoming for everyone: An urban living room with comfortable seating, lounge area and café style seating; small quiet study rooms; older adult and local history area; a vibrant Teen Zone with banquette and group study seating; children’s area with a dedicated Dial A Story phone; new main floor program room and an area for collection display and promotion.

• Relevant: Over 6,650 new books, CDs, magazines and DVDs.

An additional significant service enhancement to Northern District Branch will be a youth space featuring computer and media arts equipment. Scheduled to open in February 2011, this youth-friendly, youth-led studio space is a partnership between Toronto Public Library and the Delisle Youth Services.