Hello, PCCLD!
This week marks a very exciting time for the Rawlings Library! Beginning on Monday, 8/9, the small parking lot to the northwest of the building will be closed to staff and public access, as H.W. Houston will be setting up their headquarters in that area. Additionally, H.W. Houston will begin rerouting some of the traffic flow through Bates Lane and the South parking lot this week as they begin sitework that will lead to permanent closure of Bates lane, installation of a mobility plaza, and new access to in-building book drops. Thank you in advance for being mindful of workers in the area, as well as signage that will help you navigate parking and building access during the first phase of construction!
A few other changes will start to take place throughout the building during the next two weeks as we prepare for and initiate the renovation of the first floor:
1) With a few exceptions in Brett Kelly A through 8/12, all meeting rooms are now offline for staff and public use. Staff seeking space for department or committee meetings are encouraged to either host meetings virtually or send me a request to book the Executive Conference Room, pending availability.
2) Youth Services will begin relocating collections, play areas and staff offices to the 4th floor beginning on 8/16. During the move, collections and department access will be unavailable to the public for approximately 2 weeks (8/16-8/30). Staff will have continued access to collections and we encourage customers to place holds for continued access to materials. After the move is complete, all youth collections and play areas will be located in the Ryals Room and staff offices will be in the InfoZone Theater. A limited number of youth public computers will also be available on the 4th FL. The InfoZone exhibits will remain closed to the public until the new museum opens on the 1st FL after the renovation is complete.
3) The Circulation Department will also be moving on 8/16. The Circulation Desk and holds shelving will move to the 2nd FL at the top of the stairs and will be staffed by Circ staff during all hours of operation. Additionally, first floor self check kiosks will be relocated to the 2nd and 4th floors for continued public access. The AMH will still be functional on the 1st FL, so staff will continue to process returned items in that area. The call center has moved to one of the 2nd FL study rooms and will be fully operational in its new location on Tuesday, 8/10. Temporary cubicles for Circ staff will also be located in the Garden Level Breakroom. Rawlings staff are encouraged to use the 3rd level breakroom for lunches and breaks during this time.
Thank you for your flexibility as we begin this exciting refresh of the Rawlings Library! I will continue to provide frequent updates as new information is available, but please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions in the meantime. Additionally, please consider attending the public information session on Monday evening, 8/9 for the latest information!
