Kallio library reopens 1 February
After four months of renovation, the library will reopen at 12 noon on Thursday, 1 February 2018.
The renovation gave a new look to the first floor. The self-check machine for returning material has been replaced and better use has been made of the space for picking up reservations and demonstrating material. The bookshelves and some of the other first-floor furnishings have been refurbished and the technology updated to better match the renewed service offering, including a two-hour self-service period in the mornings. The lift’s operating mechanism and the public toilets – which had suffered water damage – were also repaired during the renovation.
The new fittings were planned in various workshops together with customers and staff.
– One of the major changes on the first floor involves leaving only one of the former three service desks in place. From now on, customer service will focus more on customers throughout the premises, says Library Director Laura Norris.
– Because customers also hoped for more natural light in the library, the reading places in front of the windows have been dismantled. Some of the public computers are laptops that customers can borrow and take to a place where they like to work. In my opinion, the key change involved restoring the original, spacious ambience of the library's entrance hall.
The opening of the renewed library will be celebrated at 12 noon on Thursday, 1 February 2018, with coffee and buns, speeches and a programme of music. The Dome Hall on the first floor features a photographic exhibition of photos by Signe Brander and pictures from the history of the 105-year-old library. A special programme for children will be arranged in the Attic on the third floor of the library building. The celebration will continue on Friday, 2 February 2018 at the Reading Festival where, from 18 to 21, the library's floors will serve as a range of collective spaces for reading together. Even reading is more fun together!