Rawlings Library Renovation Update

Good morning, PCCLD, I am writing to all employees here with an update regarding the Rawlings Library renovation project. Construction on the building’s lower-level and floors 1 & 2 is substantially complete although there remain a few pieces to finish up, most notably the audio-visual/public computing equipment on floors 1 & 2, the coffee shop, and the InfoZone Museum. These latter pieces should be completed in September and October. Most new furniture and collections on floors 1 & 2 are in place keeping in mind there remain punch-list items and certain areas remain temporarily displaced due to the floor 3 Local History and Genealogy special collections for now relocated to certain areas of floor 1. These special collections importantly temporarily occupy the new floor 1 makerspace, Kelly Room A, and the Thurston Room. I've attached the text of a recent Chieftain article about the new 1st floor PJ's coffee shop that should open by the end of this month, a photo of the new featured children's exhibit recently installed on floor 2 (thanks to Amy Nelson for coordinating this effort), and the updated 1st floor InfoZone Museum that should open by the end of this week (appreciation to Nick Potter who led this project). Construction is continuing on outdoor site improvements, floors 3 & 4, and building mechanical & access systems. Furniture for floors 3 & 4 should begin to be installed in October and local history/genealogy collections are scheduled to return to floor 3 about the same time. Fabrication and installation of a new security surveillance system and library signage will occur later this year. The signage program will include wayfinding signs, celebration/recognition signs, collection area signs, etc. Substantial completion of the full project should occur before the end of the year. Please let me know if you have questions or comments. Sincerely, Jon Walker, Executive Director