National Library Week from April 6-12 celebrates libraries everywhere and the critical roles they play in their communities. Libraries connect people with resources, opportunities and each other. They also grow and change with their community, which is exactly what Manitou Springs Library did recently with its renovation project. The City of Manitou Springs consulted Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) for suggestions on how to update the historic Carnegie building and then implemented the project. The location reopened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Fri., Feb. 7 and the people of Manitou Springs have been getting reacquainted with their Library spaces.
Manitou Springs Library use has increased since its return to its historic home from its temporary shared space with the Manitou Art Center. The Library saw an increase of over 200 more checkouts per week than it had in the past three years. The new Meeting Room upstairs hosted events with the nearby elementary school almost every week in its first month, and the Library was a stop on the school’s February Literacy Night. From March 3-7, it hosted daily tours during Read Around Manitou and had the pleasure of hosting local preschool and kindergarten classes for special Storytimes mid-March.
The updates project came about because the building needed to be made accessible. There was no way for users facing mobility barriers to come into the main part of the Library. This meant that wheelchair users, walker users, parents and caretakers with strollers, and anyone using crutches and mobility scooters had no way to enter. The remodel installed a lift connecting the upstairs to the newly expanded downstairs so that all users can enjoy this historic location. Two accessible restrooms were also added.
Returning users will notice that the front entrance has moved to a new entry on the east side of the building. This is because the historic front entrance required significant changes to become accessible. To preserve its historic look, the original front entrance is now a designated emergency exit instead. Other accessible emergency exits in the building ensure that everyone can use the location safely.
Manitou Springs Library also transformed its interior spaces. The project added a Study Room that users can reserve and use for a variety of purposes. A Teen Space was also added, which will soon include a designated teen computer, and the Young Adult book collection was expanded. The Children’s area and Children’s book collection were expanded to provide more space for children to enjoy. With the expanded space, staff have added a weekly Toddler Time to the Children’s program offerings.
In addition to expanding the building and adding new spaces for its community, Manitou Springs Library’s book collection is also growing. Since its move, the Library has added almost 1,000 books to its collection and has plans to add more soon.
The upstairs area was transformed into a much-needed Meeting Room for Library programs and for the community to reserve for meetings. When not in use for programs or meetings, this area serves as a community coworking and reading space. Tables and chairs along one wall make it a highly flexible space for its users. The room also includes two comfortable reading chairs, a table with USB charging ports and two historic tables. To ensure that people can access the full collection of books and materials even if the Meeting Room is reserved, the only books shelved upstairs are the books sold by the Friends of Manitou Springs Library.
Among the updates are historic elements that bridge the timeline between the building’s past and present. Historic art pieces adorn the walls, including an original wind-up clock. Near the children’s area, a patch of the old wall preserves a mural of a giraffe painted by a member of the community. In the upper level, visitors can enjoy a large painting by another community member.
Staff at Manitou Springs Library are happy to be back in their historic home at 701 Manitou Ave., and it is easy to see that its users are as well. The renovations improved how the community uses and enjoys this location. If you have not had a chance to see the changes yourself, celebrate National Library Week by stopping by.
