The Carlsbad Dove Library will be closed from April 14 to the end of June due to construction. This construction is part of a $6.3 million renovation project designed to better promote reading, access to information and serve as an anchor for the community. Online services will still be accessible on the library’s website and visitors can still return books on-site during the renovations. The Dove Library’s regular programs and services will continue and be available at the Georgina Cole Library and the Library Learning Center.

The Cole Library recently reopened after their own $5.3 million renovation project. Improvements to the 49-year-old Cole Library included enhanced technology and Wi-Fi connectivity, new group meetings spaces and Friends of the Library bookstore along with new carpet and paint.

“The way in which people access information is shifting with changing formats–more electronic resources, changing tastes in print vs. electronic reading,” director of the city’s Library and Cultural Arts Department Heather Pizzuto said. “Libraries need flexible infrastructure to support evolving use: additional network drops, electrical outlets and WiFi strength to support increased e-services. We’ve also seen people use libraries more as a ‘third place’ that isn’t home, work or school. They’re multitasking, with a need to stay connected while getting work done. Serving all these roles requires space to be multi-purpose, with fewer solid walls and the ability to move furniture where needed.”

The city of Carlsbad also has a commitment to continued maintenance of its buildings. The city’s main goal of these projects is to ensure that both of these libraries remain vital and relevant to the community going into the future. With the shift toward collaborative learning, libraries need more space for gathering and exchange.

“The Dove Library, while much newer, already offers some study rooms and gathering space,” Pizzuto said. “The demand for both has increased, and we wanted to take advantage of outdoor spaces. The existing courtyard will be enhanced, and a new patio created from an existing utility walkway on the west for outdoor use. Because this building is larger, we’re also able to add not only more study rooms but a Tech Lab and a much larger teen space. And we’re relocating our Cultural Arts staff from an old house into the Dove Library, since they offer many programs in the auditorium and onsite gallery.”

Both of the Carlsbad libraries have become and important part of the community and these projects were established based on the input of the community.

“The Cole Library is a lot nicer now,” senior Kevin Pham said. “I’m excited to see how the Dove Library turns out and what else it can offer in terms of studying and technology.”