As the Kent Free Library relocated to the University Plaza last October, quite a few people were asking where the books were. While renovations are being performed at 312 W. Main St., most of the library’s books are at its temporary location.

“It has been a very smooth transition for us,” said Carmen Celijog, director of the Kent Free Library. “We’re continuing to produce service to the public. And making sure that services are provided is most important to us.”

To make sure that the library staff had customers to serve, they made sure patrons were aware of the location change.

“We have a sign at the old location telling people where to go,” Celijog said. “We’ve had publicity in the newspaper as well as a notice in our newsletter. And we are happy to answer any questions people may have over the phone.”

The University Plaza location has provided a sufficient place for the library. Yet, as with most changes, there have been a few problems. 

“In the beginning, you couldn’t rent DVDs,” patron Olga Andriyevska said. “So it was kind of rough, but I think everything is OK now.”

Due to the smaller size and storage concerns, adjustments had to be made.

“Moving went really well and really quickly, except for moving so many things into storage,” librarian Keith Freund said. “But we’ve slowly been figuring out how to rearrange everything to fit into the space provided.”

The problems are not only technical since the library’s ambiance has been altered.

“I think the move was as organized as it could be because I’m sure moving a library had to be difficult,” patron Danielle Seidita said. “But I think the atmosphere was lost. The location before was so aesthetically pleasing. The only real problem I have is that I’ve been here a few times and wasn’t able to find the books I was looking for because they were still in storage.”

So far, the steel shell has been built at the permanent library site. Once that is finished, contractors will be able to pour the concrete floors.

While progress has been made on the new three-story structure, no finish date has been set. However, librarians hope to be moved to the new facility by next summer.

Contact general assignment reporter Deanna Stevens at [email protected].