ROSEVILLE READY TO CHECK OUT ITS LIBRARY

One of Minnesota's busiest libraries is about to reopen after a year of construction that nearly doubled its size and improved its efficiency.

The finishing touches of an $18 million renovation and expansion to the Roseville Library, run by Ramsey County, are almost complete. The grand reopening is set for Saturday.

From recycled rubber floors, to motion-sensing lights, to low-flow plumbing, the building exemplifies energy efficiency and environmental conservation. It also aims to provide more access to information of all kinds.

In 2008, an average of about 2,000 people visited the library daily. That same year, users checked out more than 1.7 million items. Library officials expect those numbers to grow.

It's a spacious place.

At 73,000 square feet, the building is about twice the size it used to be.

Through the front doors, a terrazzo floor partially made of recycled glass leads visitors to an atrium with high ceilings, book displays and music and movie titles. A grand staircase leads to the new L-shaped upstairs addition.

As libraries update themselves, they have been trying to highlight their function as community centers and appeal to folks who want quiet, as well as those who like a little noise.

"We're trying to find a way to meet both sets of expectations," said Lynn Wyman, deputy director of the county system.

A Dunn Bros. coffee shop, previously connected to the building, returns and is already back in business.

Updates inside and out

The renovation budget included money to upgrade technology. An $850,000 system was installed to check in and sort books automatically. The new process is about five times faster than manually checking in books and allows employees to spend more time with patrons.

On the first floor, a new children's area is about three times larger than the previous one. The room has 16 computers on low tables, a fireplace, reading nooks and chairs made of recycled yogurt containers. The storytime room is also larger than the old one.

Also new is a fenced-in garden accessible only from the kids' area. A large cistern collects rainwater from the roof, and that water flows along a channel into a rain garden.

A teen area, bathed in shades of orange and yellow, has comfortable seating, a dozen computers, teen fiction books and a big-screen TV. It's where the old main entrance used to be.

Upstairs contains adult fiction and nonfiction. There are areas for lounging, one with a fireplace, and desks with outlets for laptop use. Wireless Internet service will be available. Several rooms provide study or meeting space for up to six people.

"There's a place for everybody," said County Commissioner Jan Parker. "This is going to be very welcome by the community."