The Katy Geissert Civic Center Library will soon begin a major remodel of the main level. This remodel will result in enhanced service, improved safety, and greater access. While the Library will remain open during construction, most of the main level will be closed to the public. The majority of the adult non-fiction and reference collections will be unavailable. Fiction, Biographies, Literacy, and the 700's collections (Art, Sports, Crafts, and Entertainment) will remain accessible on the second floor. Reference Services, New Books, Large Print, and ASSIST workstations will temporarily relocate to the lower level and be available during regular hours. A few of the parking places just north of the library building will be blocked off for the contractor to place his dumpsters and storage containers. The handicapped spaces will remain open however. Free Wifi will continue during the remodel. A progress report with photographs follows the "suggestions" section.
These suggestions may help during the remodel
Research from home
. You can search the Library's catalog and databases FROM HOME!
. To access all the online research tools, start here: www.library.torrnet.com
. Have your library card and Database Access flyer handy
Take the opportunity to visit the branches
. Torrance Public Library has five conveniently-located branches
. Each branch has books, DVDs, CDs, magazines and Internet access
. Your Torrance Library Card can be used at every Torrance branch location
Visit other local libraries
. Use the CalCat (www.calcat.org) online library catalog to search holdings of other local public libraries
. Use the map on the reverse side of this flyer for addresses and phone numbers
Books may show "available" that are not on the shelf
. Although some "available" books cannot be retrieved during the construction period, in many instances titles can be obtained quickly by visiting one of the Torrance library branches, requesting a title by placing a hold for a $.75 fee, or through Interlibrary Loan for a $5.00 fee
Use the 24/7 AskNow service
. This is an online chat service that connects you to a librarian 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and it is free!
. To use the service, go to the Library's home page - www.library.torrnet.com - and click on the AskNow Question Answering box on the far left
City of Torrance Community Services Department
Other Libary locations:
So far these are steps taken:
1. Approximately two-thirds of the book collection on the main level is being transferred to large wooden carts and stored on the west side of the floor. This means that retrieving any of the first floor collections is not possible.
2. The carpet, ceiling, wiring and reference desks have all been replaced
3. New earthquake braced shelving is now being installed behind the new Reference Desk for the reference collection, and on the east side of the building which will hold the 800's and 900's.
4. The bookstack for new books is in front of the future ASSIST handicapped accessible PC's which will be located in an alcove.
5. The two week period of October 20th through 31st will see all of the books currently stored on carts returned to the newly constructed bookstacks. Then the carts will be used agan to take all of the books on the west side of the floor off of the old shelving and moved over to the finished side so that the west side can be remodeled.
