Covington Library Renovation Celebration

We love the library!  I was so excited last week when I was invited to check out the newly renovated Covington library in Kenton County.

It had been a while since I'd been to the Covington location, since the Erlanger branch is where we consider 'home.' 

But, after taking my younger two children to see the renovations, they are already begging to go back to the 'new library.' 



See how happy this little guy looks?  That's after story time, crafts, and songs!  Woo hoo!  The library sure knows how to treat the kids right!

 

The $12 million renovation touched nearly every aspect of the 39-year-old facility.  The building, constructed in 1974, and was in need of major infrastructure improvements. 

Not only did the redesign include adding a sprinkler system and updating wiring, but it also incorporated designs to make the building more environmentally friendly. 

Check out these cool things that the library did!

New reading garden

~ Rain gardens to put water back into the ground, not the sewer.

~ More natural light to heat the building and provide visual light.

~ A HUGE fan in the stairwell for air flow.

~ More efficient heating and cooling systems.

~ Refurbished tables from The Carnegie.

~ Trees removed from the parking lot and much of the metal removed were recycled.

~ Furniture no longer needed was donated to local churches, schools, fire departments and state offices.

One of the first things we noticed was the size of the new children's area.

It is three times as big as before. 

The new design takes advantage of loads of natural light and incorporates a nature theme, influenced by the Licking and Ohio Rivers, that the kids can enjoy with fun animal themed chairs. 

 

 

Two things most commonly requested by the community and staff were a drive-thru window and more meeting space.  The library did this!  Personally, the drive-thru window is one of my favorite additions.  With three kids, we don't always have time to run into the library and grab a book that's been reserved...let's be honest, I don't really run in anywhere real quick. 

 

My kids are small, so I love the new children's area, but what if you have teens?  There is a very cool teen room that is for teens only during after-school-hours.  It is glass enclosed and full of chairs, tables, books and computers. 

 

What will my husband love most about the renovations?  The new and improved Local History and Genealogy Department.  There are stacks and stacks of books, old maps, donated artifacts, over 8,000 reels of microfilm, census records, online resources and more. 

 

Check out this artifact donated by St. Elizabeth Hospital.

 

 

Creepy, right?  The picture is blurry, but it is some type of medical equipment.

If you'd like to check out the renovations, take a tour and receive a gift when you check out an item (while supplies last).  Here is the schedule of events at the Covington library on Scott Boulevard, for tomorrow, Saturday October 26th.  The celebration will be held indoors.

Renovation Celebration at the Covington Library this Saturday9:30 am Ribbon Cutting
10:30 am Cincinnati Zoo visits
10:30-4:30 Tours of the Library
10:30-2:30 Genealogy computer workshops
11-noon Introduction to KCPL Databases
Noon Unveiling of the Children's Department Art
12:30 pm Job Search Central Resources
1:30 pm Job Search Central Resources
1-2 pm Jazz Music with The Tim Watson Trio
1-2 pm YA Manga Art Unveiling
2-3 pm Celebrate Favorite Book Character Day!
2-3 pm Overview of Covington’s Computer Classes
3-4 pm Elementz Studio Kre8v Hip Hop Dance

Enjoy!