Library ends year on high note

ROSEBURG -- Roseburg Public Library completed the second phase of building renovations just in time to close out 2021.

The makeover took longer than the first phase, not only because of the pandemic but because library staff worked with a number of vendors.

“It was worth the wait,” according to Library Director Kris Wiley.

The final component of the project, a 24-foot by 7-foot mural, was unveiled last week. The brightly colored mural features books, trees and part of the library’s mission, “Promote community, inspire curiosity, encourage learning.” All of the work was done locally. Anvil Northwest, the City of Roseburg’s Destination Marketing Organization, designed the artwork; FCC Commercial Furniture printed the mural; and The Sign Factory installed the mural.

The mural complements the new bright green booth seating below and colorful Children’s Room nearby.

Brightly colored and comfortable chairs, coffee tables, end tables and footstools welcome patrons near the newspaper and magazine browsing area and throughout the library. Three bar-height tables with stools provide another option in the adult bookstacks area, particularly for browsers who want a quick seat to assess their book selections.

Wiley describes the Ford Room as “eye-popping amazing” with new carpet, lighting, wall paint and refrigerator. A ceiling-mounted projector and sound system with state-of-the-art technology were installed by High Performance Audio Visual of Roseburg.

The library’s friends at the Douglas Education Service District are training library staff to use the equipment. One of Wiley’s favorite features is the ability for multiple laptop users to share their computer screens onto the room’s large screen for the entire audience to view. Wiley said she also appreciates the sound quality.

For those who need an audio boost, the Ford Room now includes an assistive listening system with six headphones that connect directly to the sound system.

Funding for the second phase of renovations was provided by the Epping Fund of the Salem Foundation, the Douglas Community Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, the C. Giles Hunt Charitable Trust, the Douglas Education Service District, the Friends of the Roseburg Public Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the State Library of Oregon.

What’s next for the library building? Wiley is considering replacing at least one of the sit-down desks that house the public catalog stations with a standing table. Many patrons use those computers only briefly and a walk-up kiosk is a convenient alternative. Library staff will ensure the library continues to provide ADA accessibility to the public catalog.

Wiley also would like to develop a meeting space that accommodates in-person and virtual programming simultaneously.

“I think this hybrid model will become standard for organizations that offer public programming, and this is the perfect project to start a new year,” said Wiley.