Aurora library enjoys the silence

These days, it's a lot quieter at the Aurora Public Library's Eola Road branch.

And that silence is "music to my ears," branch manager Elizabeth Bumgarner says.

One of the main complaints she used to hear from patrons is that the library, at 555 S. Eola Road on the city's far east side, was just too noisy.

But a recent renovation, featuring a new computer lab and meeting rooms, has helped ease a space crunch -- and quieted things down.

Work began last December and the new area opened to the public Sept. 30.

"It has been wonderful," Bumgarner said. "The public has just been overwhelmed."

The makeover occurred in the area known as the annex, which is across the hall from the main 28,000-square-foot library that opened in 2003.

The 7,200-square-foot annex features a new computer lab, a silent reading room, four group study rooms, two bathrooms, a staff lounge, a conference room and a large meeting room.

The annex space actually is left over from the facility's original 1993 library, though workers completely renovated the interior.

The makeover, which cost more than $500,000, helps put the library in a better position to serve its growing crowds, Bumgarner said.

The branch's patron numbers are climbing steadily. Roughly 477,000 guests visited last year and leaders say it will exceed that this year.

The computer lab, previously housed in a second-floor corner, is now more visible and accessible.

"It feels open and spacious," said Carla Limbaugh, who oversees the lab. "Patrons really like it. It's a lot quieter and much better lit."

Leaders eventually hope to add to their collection of 15 computers.

The annex also helped space things out in the main library across the hall.

The former meeting room will become a wireless training lab. The old computer lab is now a young adult room. Leaders also hope to expand the children's department.

The majority of the library's checkouts are for children, Bumgarner said, and many patrons had complained about the noise level. So leaders added a silent reading room in the annex.

A date has not yet been set for a renovation celebration.

Meanwhile, Aurora Public Library's main downtown facility is dealing with its own space needs.

Leaders there are undergoing a study that should offer guidance on how to handle their cramped quarters. That study should be done in a few months.