Reorganization vs. Renovation

When the doors to the Monument Square location closed at the end of the day on Saturday, June 28, we took a deep breath and began to contemplate the huge reorganization job in front of us. Since Sunday, June 29, volunteers and staff have put hundreds of hours toward the task of moving tens of thousands of items over two floors in an attempt to reorganize library operations and respond effectively to budget reductions and the loss of the equivalent of 4.5 positions.

We have eliminated a service desk and moved collections, computers and services for a more logical and pleasant user experience. We have continued to provide interlibrary loan, buy and organize materials and serve the public during these two weeks through branch operations at five other locations.

We have heard many things from the public while we have been closed these two weeks. Many have said that they miss us and for that we are deeply grateful. We have also heard that some folks misunderstood these two weeks to be our “renovation” project for which funds from the Reach for the Stars capital campaign are being directed. This is a good opportunity to clarify things.

The renovation of the Monument Square central library will begin next spring. The project, when completed in the spring of 2010, will change the nature of not just the Portland Public Library’s main facility but of Monument Square itself. If we are successful in the effort Monument Square will assume a position as one of America’s great small urban squares equal to what this City aspires to be. (Success in the short term means raising the remainder of the needed project funds)

When we reopen on Tuesday, July 15 at 10:00 AM, we hope that your experience at Monument Square will be a quantum improvement over past years but only a morsel size taste of what awaits once the renovation is completed in the mid 2010.