Tulsa City-County Library is embarking on the first stage of the Facilities Master Plan by updating libraries to better serve the 21st-century library customer. After closing two-weeks for improvements, the Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St., reopened Oct. 27 to welcome customers to experience the difference. A grand reopening celebration is planned for Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-Noon. Join us for refreshments to help celebrate the new look. Family activities include a storytime at 10 a.m., Magician Chris Capstone at 10:30 a.m. and 3-D printing demonstration at 11:30 a.m. Hardesty Regional Library is the first of Tulsa City-County Library’s four regional libraries to implement the New Service Model. This was created to structure and operate facilities and services in such a way that libraries remain sustainable and best serve the Tulsa County community into the future. Enhancements include switching 90” shelving to 66” shelving to create more open space. A new digital lounge is equipped with a 3-D printer, touch screen computers, wireless Wi-Fi bar, 60” TV and gaming equipment. iPad lounges on each floor will offer customers access to Zinio and Press Reader newspapers and other online services. Circulation, children’s and reference desks are streamlined into a single person service desk. Customers will appreciate comfortable furniture in updated collaborative spaces for people to study or work together. New self-checks and an automated book drop have been added as Tulsa City-County Library continues toward the goal of automating 80 percent of all routine transactions. Updated signage will better direct customers to locate their specific interests. “The improvements are in response to customer input as Tulsa City-County Library created the facilities master plan. We are making libraries easier to use without intensive instruction,” said Kimberly Johnson, Tulsa City-County Library’s deputy director and chief innovation officer. “Staff will use handheld computer tablets and will be deployed throughout the library to better serve customers. We are excited to implement the new service model to improve the library customer experience.” The cost for the improvements to Hardesty Regional Library is approximately $175,000. Funding was provided by the Tulsa Library Trust through bequests from the Anne Merry Naymik Family Trust and the Daniel Allan Naymik Family Trust. The Broken Arrow Library, 300 W. Broadway, is now closed for improvements until Dec. 7. Once reopened, the library will feature New Service Model enhancements much like the Brookside Library, 1207 E. 45th Place, which underwent improvements earlier in 2014. For more information, visit www.tulsalibrary.org or call the AskUs Hotline, 918-549-7323. # # #