A planned expansion and renovation of the Eckstrom-Columbus Branch Library will triple the number of public computers at the busy branch.
The $1.9 million project is expected to begin in mid-September and wrap up in about six months.
The expansion was on a list of possible projects for a future bond election, but about $1.4 million in leftover bond funds from the expansion and remodeling of the Murphy-Wilmot Branch Library made it possible to move forward with the project this year.
A 3,500-square-foot, L-shaped addition is planned for the east and north sides of the 11,000-square-foot building, 4350 E. 22nd St. It's the first major makeover of the library since it opened in 1977.
That will allow for a different layout, more computers, a cybercafe, a reading lounge and more meeting spaces, said librarian supervisor Elizabeth Soltero.
People are also reading…
The additional computers are much needed, she said. The branch currently has 15 desktop computers and 12 laptop computers that are always in use from open to close, with limits on the amount of time a library patron can use a computer, she said.
The newly expanded library will have an additional 52 computers, including 12 for use by kids and teens, she said. The cybercafe and reading lounge will have lots of chairs and outlets.
"Our computer use is very high, but we also have a lot of customers who like to come in with a laptop and connect to Wi-Fi," Soltero said. "Right now we have limited seating, but this will be great for them."
Negotiations are under way for the Eckstrom-Columbus library to temporarily move less than a mile to the south to the former Roberts Elementary School campus, 4355 E. Calle Aurora.
Computers and a small book collection would be available, as well as pickup of reserved materials. The library hasn't yet decided which programs and classes will be available during construction.
The Roberts campus is also undergoing a remodeling. Pima Community College is leasing the campus from the Tucson Unified School District and is working on turning it into the Roberts Center, a hub for adult education classes and public safety programs.
Once the Eckstrom-Columbus library moves back to its permanent home, the college will use the former school library building as a GED testing site.
$1.9 million project to start in September
Contact reporter Becky Pallack at bpallack@azstarnet.com or 573-4346.
