The 2012 Remodel: Why do we need a new library building when the current one was recently remodeled?

Why do we need a new library building when the current one was recently remodeled?
 
This is a question that LANTERN hears from our library patrons. It is a good question and one that deserves a full answer. When our library was remodeled in 2012, several welcome changes were made. Among the improvements: 

• Computers were added to meet increased demand. 
• Old skylights were uncovered, providing more natural light. 
• The carpeting was replaced.
• New shelving was installed that is capable of withstanding an earthquake. 
• The restrooms were redesigned to meet ADA standards for handicapped access. 
• Self-checkout computers were installed to improve the checkout flow and free up library staff to attend to other services.

While all of these things were improvements, they did not deal with the major problem with the Sebastopol library -- it is just not large enough to accommodate the large number of people who use it. In fact, the new earthquake-proof shelves take up the same amount of space yet hold fewer books, so many books had to be discarded. And the increased number of computers takes up more floor space, reducing the available space for other activities or materials.

So, what are the other established needs for the Sebastopol library? Back in 2003, the Sonoma County Library administration undertook a study that they called the Facilities Master Plan.  This was a survey of all the existing libraries in the County system, looking at their current sizes, collections, computers, seats, and meeting room space.  It then categorized the libraries in terms of their needs for expansion or updating.  Sebastopol’s library was placed in Group 1, the highest category of need.  That study indicated that our library should have about double the space it now has. The remodel added none.
If you are interested in reading a specific needs assessment of the Sebastopol Library compiled this year, it is available here or you can find an abbreviated version of it under the tab, Need on the home page. There is also a link to the full document at the end of that shorter version.