KAREN DiANGELO- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY-
NORRISTOWN LIBRARY
Last weel\k, our own KAREN DiAGELO gave us an update on the renovation project at the MONTGOMERY COUNTY- NORRISTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY. Karen is the Executive Director of the institution that includes not just the library in Norristown, but also many others in surrounding communities. The Norristown library is the third largest library in the state serving over 86,000 residents. It acts as a hub for the groups libraries, procuring books and reference materials, and distributing them to 34 sites in the area.
She gave us a short history of the library which was founded in 1794. The latest building was built in 1977, and the Bookmobile was added in 1979, which delivers book to 34 sites each day. A kids Bookmobile was added in 1992 and caters to institutions like Head Start, and day care centers. A computer lad was created in 2002.
Karen detailed the many services the library offers including children's programs such as story times, Teen programs , and Adult programs like cooking, reading, trips, job fairs, and computer learning classes.
The most enlightening part of her presentation was her update on the progress on the renovation project that will transform the existing structure into an inviting, interesting, and bright learning center for the community. The project, which requires the temporary relocation of all their books, is a $54 Million dollar undertaking, and Karen shared several pictures featuring present and future areas of the new structure.
The new structure will be more open and provide more natural light than the existing building, and will offer an enhanced view of "Books as a window on the world"
Thank you Karen for this update.
I will try to get pictures for the new project for a future SPOKE.