Westlake Porter Public Library Announces Second Phase of Building Improvements

Westlake Porter Public Library has announced that the second phase of building improvement projects aimed at providing new services to the community as well as to enhance the visitor experience is scheduled to begin August 19. The projects are a result of the strategic and space planning process the library completed in 2021, including feedback solicited from the community during public sessions and through surveys. The projects include creating a dedicated Young Adult area in the Youth Services Department, opening of the second floor to the public and reorganization of the Circulation Department. In addition, coffee service along with other vending options will also return to the library in a self-serve model.

Construction costs will be approximately $1.6 million with, to date, $70,000 coming from donations. The project will be paid for from the library’s Permanent Improvement Fund which are funds specifically set aside for projects such as these.

The Young Adult area renovation will involve switching the audiovisual materials with the Young Adult space to create a more welcoming and defined space for teens.

Opening the second floor to the public will add more meeting rooms for programming and patron use as well as more study space on the mezzanine.

Remodeling the Circulation Department will allow the library to update material handling equipment and create more efficiencies to better serve the public.

“We are very excited about these upgrades and improvements to the library based on community feedback from our strategic and space planning projects,” stated library Director Andrew Mangels. “We believe these projects will help us to provide even better service to this community.”