Northern library reopens after reno

[attach]3619[/attach]Northern District Library is back open, with more places to sit and enjoy a good book.

The library at Yonge and Orchard View Boulevard reopened on Feb. 3, seven months after it closed for a $1 million renovation project. Part of the plan to modernize the midtown branch was to add seating.

“There’s almost double the seating at the branch than there was before and we have over 6,650 new books, CDs, magazines and DVDs in the collection as well,” Anne Bailey, director of branch libraries, said days after the re-opening.

In addition to a bigger collection, the library underwent a facelift that included a new layout.

“The space is much more bright and open and comfortable and easy to use,” Bailey said shortly after it reopened. “People have really commented about that.”

New flooring, shelves and desks were installed as well as public washrooms on the main floor. There is also additional community program space specifically tailored to different age groups.

The library was in need of a fix-up — prior to the recent improvements, it was still sporting the original shelves and other outdated amenities from its original opening in 1975.

The library’s learning centre is also now home to five new computers, more seats and electrical outlets to give more laptop users access to the building’s wireless internet service.

Bailey said the library’s new look has been garnering positive reviews.

The library held a community event to celebrate the re-opening on Feb. 3.