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The Greek Philosopher Heraclitus stated that “change is the only constant in life.” I am not good with change. The older I get the less I like change. I did not realize how comfortable I am in my ways until a “wrench” is thrown in disturbing my plans and routines. I can get a little crazy! In the end, I usually like or even love the change, but I seem to fight against it in the beginning. There is a change happening in the Hope universe so watch out! It is not something neither you nor I need to fight with for it is a good change. The Hope library is getting a few renovations done between August 18 and November 30. Drumroll please for the ‘wrench” …. there will be no public restrooms or meeting rooms available at the library during this closure. Let me expand about the services that will be available while we are closed for a much-needed building refresh.

During the refresh the Hope library services will be available right down the sidewalk on the same side of the street as the library in the Hope Annex. We will be open the same hours but with limited services. There will be a small collection of materials to browse and check out. We have been suggesting that patrons put items on hold and then come to the Annex and pick the items up. You may return items at either the Hope or Columbus locations just as before. There will still be limited computer access to check e-mail and to print documents. There will also still be Wi-Fi access for your personal electronic devices. Our Notary, Jen, will still be available on Fridays from 2-3 p.m. in the Annex.

The monthly programs that we have been offering, family Craft Night, Adult Storytime, and Hope Hooks and Needles will take place at the Student’s Fund of Hope Community Engagement Center, located at 321 Washington St., Hope. Please check online or pick up a copy of our program guide at the Hope Annex for dates and times. The Pokémon Club will be meeting outside in the Square if the weather permits. Please make sure to look in the windows of the Hope Annex for flyers about our ongoing events, as well.

I was recently asked, “Why renovate the library at Hope right now?” My answer is this, “Why not!” The current location has been there for almost 30 years, and the needs have changed as far as the use of the library is concerned. The Hope library is not only about books, but also includes community engagement, digital and technological resources, collaborative spaces, and cultural programming. The renovations will help meet these goals in a better manner.

There will be freshly painted walls, new flooring, modern furniture, better arrangement of shelves, and of course an updated workspace for the Hope library staff. We will have a couple of modular seating arrangements in the Children’s area and a new play kitchen. There will be a cozy reading area for adult patrons and a designated modular seating area for teens. I really think these furniture additions and new arrangements will benefit everyone!

We are excited about these changes and hope that all of you out there are too! Thank you for your patience and support through this renovation process. Make sure to visit the Hope Annex starting August 21 to see that we are not getting too crazy with these changes. This is a change for the good!