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Menlo Park: Alma Street library to close May 21-June18

by Sandy Brundage

When the Menlo Park public library on Alma Street closes on May 21 for renovation, staff will still have plenty to do, according to director Susan Holmer.

While construction workers remodel the circulation area by adding a skylight, wall, service desk and other features, and install new carpet, library staff will be tagging every item in the library's collection with radio frequency identification tags (RFID), both at the Alma Street location and the Belle Haven library.

The tags will use the library's new checkout system, designed to make the process easier for patrons while also providing security against theft.

If staff finish tagging before the library re-opens on June 18, Ms. Holmer said they'll move on to taking inventory, performing maintenance, program planning and professional development.

Funding for each aspect of the renovation comes from different sources: $175,000 from the general fund capital improvement budget for carpet replacement; $90,000 for remodeling the circulation area from a library bond fund; and $147,000 from the public library fund and general fund for the RFID conversion.

During the closure, the outside book drop will stay open so people can return items. The Belle Haven branch, located at 413 Ivy Drive, will extend its hours until the main library re-opens.