Green Valley Library gets makeover as part of switch

By Jeremy Twitchell

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009 | 2:41 p.m.

The placard at the Green Valley Library's entrance says the building is closed, but inside, it's a bustling center of activity as crews get the building ready to open under its new management.

The Henderson District Public Libraries officially assumed control of the branch Jan. 2, culminating a changeover arrangement with the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District that was years in the works.

The Henderson District plans to remodel the branch, begin some basic services on the site by the end of February and have the entire branch reopened by the end of April.

So far, things couldn't have gone better for the district. Not only is the remodeling contractor, 1 Development, expected to begin work a week ahead of schedule, but the company's bid came in at $199,000 — $60,000 less than what the district had estimated.

"With the bid coming in the way it did, I think we're going to be able to do all the things we wanted to do, so we're really excited right now," library district Executive Director Tom Fay said.

The Henderson District's remodeling plans including relocating the service desk from right inside the main entrance to a counter around the corner, reducing the number of shelves and increasing the space between them, converting one conference room into a 30-station public computer lab and expanding the size of the other conference room.

"We're trying to open up the space a bit more and make it more conducive to reading," Branch Manager Stephen Platt said.

While crews remodel the interior over the next two months, Platt said, the Henderson District is striving to provide as many services as it can. The drop boxes are still open for Las Vegas-Clark County District patrons who have materials to return, he said, and the Henderson District is sending the materials to the Las Vegas-Clark County District by courier, though it could take arrive up to a week later.

Beginning this week, the Henderson District is also sending its bookmobile to the Green Valley Branch's parking lot three times a week, on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

And as soon as the district is able, in middle or end of February, Platt estimates, it will open a miniature library in the community room just off the main entrance.

"The plan is to get services up and running as soon as possible," he said.

As far as programs go, Platt said the Henderson District plans to expand on the popular children's programs that the Las Vegas-Clark County District cultivated at the branch over the years.

But librarians are also eyeing a bigger challenge — developing adult programs that will draw older patrons to the library.

"Our understanding is that adult programs didn't do very well here," Platt said.

Reference librarian Kevin Scanlon said the Henderson District is planning computer classes and author visits as a start, but that it is reaching out to branch patrons to find out what programs they want to see. The district has sent out one round of informational postcards to nearby residents and is planning a second.

Part of the challenge of the Green Valley Library is its location — right on the edge of the boundary between the Henderson District and the Las Vegas-Clark County District. Though cards from either district will work at the branch, communicating with potential patrons outside the district's boundaries can be tricky.

"Hopefully, if we can market it effectively, we'll be able to pull people from both communities," Scanlon said.

Platt said a number of patrons who weren't aware of the changeover have been coming by the Green Valley Branch and asking what is happening. He said his answer is always the same.

"Yes, we will reopen and it will be soon," he said. "We hope that they like our new look and new programs."

Jeremy Twitchell can be reached at 990-8928 or [email protected].