Schlow library children’s section to close for insulation repairs

Schlow Centre Region Library’s children’s department will be closed from Feb. 1-7 as its insulation project expands.

Library staff estimate the children’s department averages 400 visitors — both kids and parents — each day, and about 2,800 per week.

“This will impact our visitors. It’s the winter, parents aren’t taking their children to playgrounds as much, they are bringing them here,” said Susanna Paul, communications manager at Schlow.

Last winter a pipe burst due to subzero temperatures, causing the library to close for two weeks.

As a result, the Schlow insulation project was launched as an initiative to reinforce the insulation in the library’s attic.

“In order to ensure the safety of Schlow’s youngest patrons, the children’s department will be closed to visitors while work is underway. The children’s department is a playground for kids. We didn’t think it would be a good idea to have work going on with children there,” Paul said.

Library staff said they’ve already noticed a difference in the building’s ability to retain heat.

While the temporary closure will affect where patrons can gather, library staff will work to continue to provide access to most services.

“We want to reassure people that we are still offering a lot of the same programs to children. Regularly scheduled programs will take place on the second floor, so kids will have the ability to see a new part of the library,” Paul said.

While children won’t be able to physically browse the books in the children’s department, they will still be able to retrieve the books they want.

“We will have mobile bookshelves, featuring staff favorites. We encourage people to browse online, reserve the books they want and we will retrieve them. Our staff will still be able to go into the children’s section and retrieve any books patrons want,” Paul said.

Once the department reopens, the Penn State Thespians will present “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” cabaret during Valentine’s Day weekend. The library encourages children to come dressed as their favorite character for the Disney sing-along event. The program takes place at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 13.

This story was originally published January 25, 2016 at 12:06 PM with the headline "Schlow library children’s section to close for insulation repairs."