M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch of the Camden County Library looks to join the 21st century through a timely renovation
M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch of the Camden County Library looks forward to updating its interior and technology to accommodate modern library users
M. Allan Vogelson Regional Branch Library is looking to join the 21st century. The board of freeholders recently approved a $359,000 contract with Settembrino Architects to design a renovation.
They are still in the planning phase, but Library Director Linda A. Devlin envisions an update to everything in the interior, especially the children’s section.
“Obviously, there are aesthetic considerations, so carpet and paint and just making things look clean and bright and comfortable,” Devlin said.
But, aesthetics are not the only improvements Devlin is hoping to make.
“People use libraries differently today than they did in the past,” Devlin said. “When you were designing a library way back when, you had a lot of tall book stacks, it tended to be very dark, very rigid, so to speak, and that’s not how we see people wanting to use libraries.”
Devlin has noticed an increase in people’s desire for collaborative workspaces and spaces that are conducive to using their personal computers and modern technology.
“We do a lot of programming, so we want to make sure that the space reflects the way that people want to work today and the way that they want to use their technology when they come here, which is important as well,” Devlin said. “So you’ll see changes to how the interior may be arranged or defined in addition to the aesthetic improvements.”
Freeholder Bill Moen, the liaison for the library, explained even though they are still in the planning phase, the county wants to see the improvements done as soon as possible.
“Patience is part of the process as well,” Moen said.
The county wants to make sure the renovation creates an atmosphere for the 21st century citizen of Camden County. They want to make technology advances, improve the size and accommodate visitors who may want access to technology such as computers, wifi or audiobooks.
“The library was first built in 1977, so we have an opportunity to modernize the library, to make it more suitable for the resident living in 2017,” he said.
The improvements to the library will improve the lives of both the citizens and the librarians who work there.
“It’s always nice to work in a space that’s attractive and comfortable, and this will make it easier for us to work with our customers, easier for us to serve them and to serve them better,” Devlin said.
Aside from being a freeholder, Moen grew up in the area and has been going to the library since he was a freshman in high school. He found the library to be a place to “find some solace” as he was studying there through his graduate degree.
“From growing up and seeing what the library offers, the considerations that we are making to modernize the library will allow the person who is a freshman in high school this year or 10 years from now to have a place to study, to read, to learn, in the same way that I had that opportunity 15 years ago,” Moen said.
Ultimately, everyone is looking forward to collaborating to create a library that will more completely serve the community.
“The bottom line is I want to create a library that people will be proud of: that they are proud to come to, that they are proud is in their community,” Devlin said.
