Remodeled library reopens

Book lovers who frequent the Argonne Library will have a little more elbow room for browsing after a recently finished remodeling project.

“People are saying how open it feels now,” branch supervisor Judy Luck said.

Walking into the library, a wall to the left was removed, allowing more space for popular items just across from the checkout counter. To the right are two new self-checkout stations and a shelf where patrons can pick up their own books on hold.

“It has more room now for high-interest materials,” said Spokane County Library District spokeswoman Beth Gillespie.

The main library space reopened Monday after operations had been limited to a conference room since the beginning of August. The library is at 4322 N. Argonne Road.

During those two weeks, crews replaced the carpet, painted, revamped the reference and checkout counters and made other improvements, Gillespie said.

New chairs that are the right size for a parent and child to sit in are also on order.

The total cost of the renovation is estimated at $66,000.

The self-checkout computers are similar to those installed recently at other library branches. Patrons can scan their library card and books into a touch-screen computer that produces a printed receipt of loaned materials.

The library’s hours are still noon to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The library is closed on Friday.