Two years plus after the last time I passed through the doors of the Library I can honestly say that you will not recognize the place. It is completely new on all three floors from floor to ceiling. The building was completely gutted and all new mechanicals, furniture, bookshelves, meeting rooms, restrooms, you name it were constructed in its place.
The only things that remain from the old are the elevators.
There are 3 meeting rooms of various sizes along with 19 smaller meeting “spaces” for meetings large and small along with presentation equipment, and room darkening shades that will come in handy because the windows that were always there were hidden by bookshelves. The east wall has been opened up and a new mural and small courtyard is visible below. The windows are a special feature of the new space.
There is even a small studio with green screen that can be used for radio or television productions. The architects and builders (along with Library staff) have truly thought of everything.
Library offices and work spaces were moved to the basement of the building which, amazingly has resulted in 16,000 more square feet of usable floor space.
All of your old favorite places are there along with the new, 21st Century feel. The African-American Sports Hall of Fame is now digital, which may take some getting used to with no plaques on the wall, but it has moved from the basement to a new place of prominence.
Signs above the much lower bookshelves lead you into the various book collections.
Checking out and in of books and materials becomes electronic and self-serve, although staff will be available to help when needed.
The all-new Children’s Learning Center is a delight with play places and learning places. Light table, Tinker Toy table, the venerable fish tank and more.
An unexpected nice touch are the kid sized facilities in the rest rooms in this area.
Your New Flint Library is…”Beautiful!”
Come visit soon and often. You will love it.
