Library closes for renovations Will create better use of space

by Mark Jahne

Editor

Folks who have stopped by the Wethersfield Library the past few weeks may have been surprised to discover that it is closed. But that’s only for a short period of time.

“We have this library design project. It has been years in the making,” Library Director Brook Berry said. “The town received $4 million from the state” in municipal aid. “The library’s portion of that is $1.7 million.”

When donations and other state funds are included the Library Board had enough money to undertake a redesign effort.

“We’re so excited. It’s a $2 million project. We’re going to renovate the first floor. We are expanding the teen space,” Berry said.

Plan for Info desk and computer work stations. (submitted)

It will move around the corner and beneath the mezzanine and triple in size from the current 650 square feet set aside for teenagers. The library is a popular after-school destination because it is within walking distance of both Silas Deane Middle School and Wethersfield High School.

“We’re relocating teens from the front of the library to the mezzanine. We are also doing the lower-level restrooms” and will finish work already underway in the children’s program room, Berry said.

Renovations to the mezzanine must wait until a date to be determined. If all goes well, the library should be able to reopen to the public by Sept. 9. It will be open while the renovation work is taking place.

The current teen room at the Wethersfield Library is next to the entrance and is shared with public computer stations. (Jahne)

“The closure is to enable us to prep for construction,” Berry said.

Part of that prep is removing numerous books to protect them from damage. All nonfiction books are being stored off site and will not return until early 2027. Other library materials will be stored downstairs and be accessible to the public. The children’s department will remain open not undergo any changes.

“We’re trying to keep the mezzanine open as well,” she said. “When we reopen, we will have limited computer use for the public.”

This is what the nonfiction and teen room area will look like when the renovations are complete. (Submitted)

There will be six PCs available for public use as compared to 17 in the past. This reduction is temporary. The hope is that all renovation work will be completed sometime next spring.

“There is no in-person programming until probably next summer,” Berry added.

The new teen area will be larger and more comfortable.(Submitted)

Silver Petrucelli & Associates of Hamden is the architect and design contractor for this project. Downes Construction Co. of New Britain will perform the renovation work. WL