Carmichael has a NEW library!

Tomorrow, an open house will welcome the public to Carmichael's newly remodeled library. And what a gem it is! As volunteers and Friends of the Library, Carolyn and I were able to get a sneak preview and we really liked what we saw. This was a complete makeover job with hardly a wall remaining in place from the previous library. Only the location and parking lot looks the same.

Through the cheery front entrance from the parking lot, you see the central information desk where you can also check out books if you don't want to use one of the four "self check-out" computers on your right.

Your next impression of the place is how wide open it is with tall ceilings filled with bright skylights. Although the place is filled with books as a library should be, there is so much air space that you don't feel claustrophobic.

Rows of empty tables are available for the after school studier or for those who want to bring in their laptops to take advantage of the wireless Internet connection available throughout the library and even in the parking lot.

For those who'd rather use the library's computers, there is a block of 24 computers arranged in a classroom formation. Most of the time they'll be available for patrons to reserve but the library is also expecting to have computer instruction available. A "pay per page" print server is also connected to these computers.

Next to the computer area is the teen "den" complete with diner style booths for a more casual atmosphere.

From inside the teen den you can also watch their wide screen TV (controlled, of course, by the librarian).

For children and their parents there is the reading room complete with moving aluminum sculpture. I found it a little unsettling to watch metal butterfly nets flying backward.

There are also extra-wide chairs so that moms and dads can read to one of more kids and still be comfortable.

The shelving in the children's section is appropriately short so that kids can find and retrieve their own books.

We're so exciting to be getting our library back. It's been a long 18 months but it looks like it was worth the wait.