The renovation and expansion of The Scarborough Public Library will improve the services, materials and programming for adult and senior library users.

Residents between the ages of 30 and 65 have become the fastest growing demographic group in Scarborough and are one of the Library’s significant user groups. The new library will provide quiet reading areas separate from pedestrian traffic and the more active children’s and young adult areas. A special feature will include a Reading & Fireplace Room to capture the traditional feel of the Library’s past.

“Many of our users come to the Library to read the daily papers or browse through materials before checking them out. It’s difficult for our adult users to find a quiet, comfortable place to read,” said Catherine Morrison, adult services librarian.

While print materials continue to be the foundation of the Library’s collection, audio books, CDs and DVDs now represent 30 percent of materials borrowed each year. The combined shelving needs makes retrieval of materials difficult for some seniors and those with physical limitations. Improvements to the collection space will feature shelving at comfortable heights and improved lighting for viewing titles and call numbers.

“The lack of shelving and display options limits our ability to highlight items from the collection. It would be a great service to display items for book and writing clubs to consider,” said Morrison.

The current library offers one Meeting Room with a seating capacity of 50, limiting the opportunity to provide multiple programming for all ages.

“A popular program for adults is our ‘Let’s Talk About It’ series,” Morrison adds. “Participants read a book, then attend a series of lectures led by scholars. Because there is only one meeting space, it’s difficult to schedule any programs requiring consecutive or multiple dates.”

The expansion will include an enlarged community meeting room with seating for 140 that can be divided to accommodate multiple Library programs and community groups simultaneously.

A detailed floor plan of the library interior, exterior artist’s sketch, and building model are now on display at the Library.

The Scarborough Public Library submitted the preceding story on its plans for expansion.

Scarborough residents George and June Gillis use the Scarborough Public Library regularly.