Collinsville Library reopens after major remodel with improved look, updated features – Tulsa World

The Collinsville Library has a new and improved look and updated features thanks to a major remodeling project that was carried out this month.

Branch Manager Rhonda Weldon said the upgrades came on the heels of the library celebrating the centennial of its opening as a Carnegie-grant institution in July.

The renovation, I think its an extension of our 100th anniversary celebration, she said. It was basically just time for a facelift we just needed a little sprucing up, really.

The scope of the project, which took place August 7-20, involved adding new technology, stripping and refinishing the floors, repainting all the walls, adding shelves and rearranging the layout to make more room for patrons.

Library staff also organized and expanded its media center and childrens book section, as well as created a new nook for kids to play and read together.

The library, were the hub of the community in many ways, Weldon said. The fact that were open again in time for school, thats really important.

One of the major changes carried out during the remodel was removing the main desk and replacing it with two digital self-check machines for customers to use for all library services.

The Collinsville branch is the first in the entire Tulsa City-County Library system to incorporate these high-tech devices, which offer a one-stop shop for patrons to check in and out, browse titles, pay fines, renew their account and more at their leisure.

Weldon said the reason for adopting the new technology was to continue to stay relevant in the digital age by embracing a customer-focused service model.

The customers who need to come in, pick up library materials, check out and go on with their day can do so without needing to wait on a library staff person to be available, she said.

Other structural renovations included replacing the deteriorating concrete steps at the north entry, excavating around the perimeter of the building to install new basement waterproofing and a French drain, and installing new high-efficiency air conditioners in the basement meeting room.

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Collinsville Library reopens after major remodel with improved look, updated features - Tulsa World