Hull Street Library Reopens

UPDATE:  More photos! of the Hull Street Library opening on Monday, August 15, 2011.  Stop by and see the beautiful library!
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Hull Street Library reopened yesterday after months of renovations to the building. There were several special guests on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony, and visitors were excited about changes in the library. The space is bright and cozy, with improved technology, a special area for children, updated work spaces for staff, and more efficient and attractive shelving. I think updates to the lighting are especially wonderful. Here are some pictures from the reopening.

Exterior of Building

Mayor Jones at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Library is Officially Reopened!

Library Director Harriet Coalter and Hull Street Branch Manager Gloria E. Nottingham

Gateway to the Children's Area

Circulation Desk to the Right

New Space for Public Computers

More Comfortable Work Space

Patrons Check Out Library Materials



Branch Renovation Updates

Changes Underway at Hull Street

Renovations at the Belmont and Hull Street Libraries are progessing, and everyone is looking forward to having both branches reopen soon.

Hull Street Library is set to open again in mid-August. The beautiful tilework in the bathrooms and behind the water fountains is completed, and new carpeting is being installed now. The space will feel a lot cozier, with better lighting, more efficient shelving, and an improved infrastructure for technology. Expect more computers and a rejuvinated building and materials collection.

Renovations Happening at Belmont

Belmont is our oldest branch library and is set to open a little later, since it required some extra attention. Look for Belmont Library to reopen in September, also with a cozier, more up-to-date feel. You'll also see some nice tilework here (see picture at right). New windows and meeting room glass have been installed, and painting and ceiling work is underway now. Very exciting!

I can't wait to see how these libraries look after renovations are completed. I know the branch staff  will be so glad to get back to their neighborhoods and serve library users in beautiful new spaces!

Library Renovations Continue

Construction for the renovation projects at the Belmont and Hull Street libraries is progressing as expected, moving toward reopening these two libraries in late summer.

I'm sometimes asked "What's being done with these renovations?" The easiest way to see what's included is to go visit the two completed libraries, North Avenue Library at 2901 North Avenue, or Westover Hills Library at 1408 Westover Hills Boulevard. You'll get a good idea of what changes are underway at Belmont and Hull Street.

If you've been by Belmont and Hull Street, you'll know that the inside of the buildings has been taken down to concrete floors in order to drill for new electrical and data conduit. New ceiling grids are going up for new ceiling tiles and new lighting. Windows will come out and be replaced. All will provide a more energy-efficient building, and a building that is laid out more efficiently for people, library collections and computers.

New heating and cooling equipment will be added at Belmont, replacing three old systems with one new energy-efficient system. An improved back entrance will also be added at Belmont. New carpet and new furniture will complete the renovations.

Hull Street Library is expected to reopen the week of August 1. Belmont Library is expected to reopen the week of September 12. We look forward to seeing you for the reopenings!

Westover Hills Library Reopened December 6

We're so glad the Westover Hills Library is open again!

Westover Hills Library closed for renovation in April 2010, and reopened on December 6, 2010 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Mayor Dwight C. Jones.

Since the library was first opened in 1959, it has been an important neighborhood gathering spot. The library is shown on the left as the building was gutted and re-construction began.

Now the neighborhood can return to one of their favorite spots. Within the same four walls, the building now looks completely different.

The reopening ceremony included remarks from Mayor Jones and Council President Kathy Graziano, and help with cutting the ribbon from students from Elizabeth D. Redd Elementary.

The building has completely new furniture, new plantings outside, a new roof, and a whole new look. As I was in the building in the weeks prior to the re-opening, it was interesting to me that many of the people that stopped by (thinking the library was open for business) had never been to this library before. The library had been almost invisible, even though on a busy street.

Now with new signs on the outside to clearly identify the building, and large windows that allow you to see into the attractive building, it looks like a place you want to go into and see who's there. Join us soon at the re-newed Westover Hills Library, 1408 Westover Hills Boulevard. The library is open Monday and Wednesday from noon - 8:00 pm; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00-6:00; Saturday from 10:00-5:00.

Thanks to the City of Richmond for investing $800,000 in its public libraries through this renovation project. Thanks also to the Friends of the Library for funding the "Re-new at your library" gifts for the first 500 visitors to the re-opened Westover Hills Library, and thanks to the Library Foundation for a gift of $4,000 to purchse new books for Westover Hills.