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North Metro Library Getting A Major Makeover
The Johnsville Library in Blaine is a popular place that is a go-to spot for many North Metro residents.
“This particular branch is just under 300,000 items that get circulated through,” said Colleen Haubner from the Johnsville Library. “Then we also have probably about 75,000 visitors or patrons come in a year. So it’s very well used.”
Johnsville is closing on March 2nd for a major makeover. Multiple funding sources will provide almost $500,000 for the renovations.
“We are very excited to have a full refresh of the Johnsville Library,” Haubner said. “We will not be adding to the footprint, however it will feel like we have based on what we plan to do in the space.”
When the renovations are finished the library will have a totally different look.
“Just a complete refresh of the space that will be unrecognizable,” Haubner said. “It’s been probably over 20 years since we’ve had any kind of refresh or new carpet.”
State-of-the-art facility
The new-look Johnsville will be a state-of-the-art facility.
There will be more browsing bins, a study area, improved community room space and plenty of computers.
“Really we’re going to change the flow of the whole library,” Haubner said. “We’re making our desk a little bit smaller so we’re able to have a little more room for our printing, our computers and making the whole area with flexible space.”
Some come to the library to play and have fun, while other visitors want a quiet setting. The renovated Johnsville Library will offer both.
“With our new setup it’s going to make those two things more possible in the same space with our study room and with how the kids area will be set up,” said Kirsten Vaughan of the Johnsville Library.
Even in this digital age, libraries still have value.
“They are essential to just about any community you go to,” Vaughan said..
Libraries are a great free resource that anyone can use.
“There’s no cost, nothing,” Vaughan said. “There’s not many places you can go anymore where you’re not expected to spend anything.”
The Johnsville Library will be closed for approximately three months. Johnsville is one of eight branch libraries in Anoka County.
SOURCE: NORTH METRO TV
