Visalia library branch will add children's wing, books, computers
Construction includes lobby and courtyard, makeover for the original building

By Hillary S. Meeks
hmeeks@visalia.gannett.com

Visalia resident Darrold Davies, 93, has had a library card for 86 years, since he was in the second grade.

He knows how important reading is for children. That's why he is looking forward to the opening of the children's wing now being added to the Visalia branch of the Tulare County Library, 200 W. Oak Ave.

"It will give them a little room where they can express themselves," he said with a chuckle.
The new addition really isn't all new. The children's wing is actually a renovation of the original Visalia City Library, which was built in 1936.

"I like it that they're keeping it the old way," Davies said. "That's because I'm old."

Much of the original architecture of the building will remain intact, such as the beautiful rotunda, said Brian Lewis, director of the Tulare County Library. But inside the building will be updated computer equipment, new books and plenty of space for children's programs.

"A lot of people in the community remember using the older library next door when they were kids," said Visalia branch manager Mike Drake. "So it's important for us to keep that."

Renovating the 1936 library — used for storage since the main building was constructed in 1976 — is just part of Phase I of the library's reconstruction.

A lobby will connect the two buildings and will house a large circulation desk serving the main library and the children's wing.

A gated courtyard accessible from the children's library will be built on its southeast end.

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Phase II will involve a makeover for the main library, which features its original 1970s color palette of burnt umber, orange, guacamole green and harvest gold.

"We're all excited about having a fresh, new look," Drake said.

In order to get this look, some downtime will be required. The branch is tentatively set for closure between Feb. 22 and March 14, Lewis said.

Everything in the main library will be moved to the children's wing during renovation. Some services will be offered through the children's wing during construction.

Lewis said he hopes to employ the library's two bookmobiles during the closure period.

Completion of both phases is expected in June or July. By then, about 10,000 square feet of room will have been added to the complex, Lewis said.

While the children will have their own space for storytime and other programs, adults also will have more space in the main library. Quiet nooks for reading, a magazine section and a young-adult area will be added, Lewis said, and the computer lab will almost double in size. Wireless Internet will be available.

Renovation costs, estimated at $6 million, will be covered by several entities. The breakdown: $3.7 million from a state grant approved in 2002; $590,000 raised by the community; $500,000 from the city of Visalia; and the rest from the Tulare County budget.

STEVE R. FUJIMOTO
Mario Trujillo digs ditches for irrigation lines on the east side of the Visalia branch of the Tulare County Library Wednesday.

STEVE R. FUJIMOTO
Estaban Deleon applies molding to the roof line of the library in Visalia.