Peru library to begin construction Feb. 1

Patrons can expect a new “facelift” at the Peru library in about four weeks as construction is set to begin on the youth services wing Feb. 1.

During construction, the lower level of the library will not be accessible to the public. Morning programs, such as Books and Babies and Thursday Tots, will take place upstairs in the teen services area.

Books and Babies is at 9:30 a.m. Mondays, and Thursday Tots is at 9:30 a.m. Brick Builders Club, Family Storytime and Evening Storytime will return after construction is completed.

Co-Director Emily Schaub said the library will have a small browsing collection available in the teen area upstairs, but the library is encouraging people to reach out about what they want to read or to determine if the library has any specific titles.

“Once the construction crew leaves, we can go pull books from the collection downstairs that evening,” Schaub said. “But we can’t do anything while they’re here.”

Schaub said it’s a priority to ensure that everyone still can get books. The staff is doing everything to make the transition as easy as possible by creating themed bags.

“Just because we have construction doesn’t mean kids shouldn’t be able to read,” Schaub said.

She said the library has been saving up funds for the project for “quite a while” and is expecting to spend a little more than $100,000 on the project.

“What started this was the flooring,” she said. “The flooring in the building is original. The building was built in 1985 and opened in 1986.”

The downstairs will be revamped to not only improve the appearance of the library but also to assist with future programming.

“There’ll be carpet in the area where we do most of the children’s programming,” Schaub said. “We’ll have luxury vinyl in the space where we usually do crafts and in the meeting room.”

There also will be a new circulation desk and new storage cabinets for staff to use for programming preparation, among other things.

After construction is complete, Schaub said, the library will be able to provide a lot more programming downstairs.

“We used to do storytime upstairs, but it disrupts some people who expect a library to be quiet,” she said. “And you’re trying to get [the kids] from upstairs to downstairs and still focus on what you’re talking about. ... This is the activity we did, and here is the craft that translates.”

Schaub said she looking forward to seeing the complete transformation after the construction is complete.

“This is my childhood library,” she said. “I’m excited to continue bringing the library into the future. It’s going to be a lot brighter and, I hope, more welcoming. That’s our goal. I hope I can be there for some kids coming in for the first time.”

Patrons can place holds on material through the PrairieCat app; through the library’s online catalog at peru-prcat.na2.iiivega.com; or by calling the library to request materials based on age, topic or reading level. They also can use a valid Peru library card at any local libraries to browse.

If you need to update or apply for a library card, you can do so through the PrairieCat mobile app or in person at the upstairs circulation desk. Library cards require a photo ID and mail such as a utility bill or bank statement with your Peru address.

The library’s hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.