The Glendale Central Library grand re-opening took place on Monday, May 1, showing off its complete makeover after closing for renovation Sept. 1, 2016. “A lot of planning and preparation has taken place for the Central Library,” said Library Supervisor Katherine Loeser, who was part of the Central Library renovation process. “The people at the library has talked about a renovation at the Central Library for at least five years ago.”

At the day of the grand reopening of the library, visitors were given the opportunity to participate in a tour of the library that showcased the library’s new features. From here many activities took place such as taking pictures in a photobooth with props, talking to featured authors and participating in children’s activities. Visitors were greeted at the entrance with a warm welcome from various library supervisors and were given pamphlets containing a list of events and activities occurring all day.

The Central Library looks completely different from the old library in 2016. The new theme the library portrays is a modern look with simple colors such as gray, blue, white and black. “One of the main priorities for this renovation is to create public space for new stations,” Loeser said. “There is a reading spa, the literacy department moved at the front of the main floor, and there is a new computer lab.”

The front entrance has been moved to the front allowing for a bigger entrance with a staircase leading to the entrance of the library. The library also added a new way to check out books called RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification). This allows people to check out books more efficiently by checking out a book and swiping their IDs. “With all of these changes such as public space and technology advancements, we hope to connect the community by creating a suitable library for the public,” said library supervisor Hala Shonouda.

The construction gradually started a few years ago with the transportation of different books and equipment to a storage located behind the old entrance of the Glendale Central Library. Glendale Central Library staff had high school student volunteers from the Glendale Unified School District prepare for the grand construction of the library that started in Sept. 2016.

According to the City of Glendale website, the library had three different phases take place for the renovation. The first phase included the renovation of where all the books were located such as the library basement, library bookstore, and the addition of a computer space. The second phase included the renovation of staff offices and conference room, the third phase included a make over of the first and second floor of the library. According to the Los Angeles Times, Glendale spent about $15 million dollars for the renovation.