WESTMINSTER : Library Closing for 3-Month Face-Lift

For the first time since it opened in 1977, the Westminster Library will close its doors to the public for a three-month renovation project that begins next week, library officials said Tuesday.

Branch manager Lionel Ascher said the $145,000 county-funded project will include earthquake safety improvements, new lighting and a more efficient floor plan. After the renovation, officials said, the 18,000-square-foot library--which now holds 100,000 books--may be able to squeeze in as many as 5,000 more.

Children’s specialist Nancy McQuillan said the refurbishment of the county library, at 8180 13th St., is long overdue.

“We have a very worn-out orange carpet, very worn-out orange chairs, a paint job that should have been redone years ago. There’s a lot of wear and tear on the building (which) hasn’t been redone since it was built. It’s looking very dingy,” she said.

The orange decor will be replaced by eggshell-white walls and a forest-green carpet. McQuillan said other improvements will include a book security system and repairs to its leaky roof.

The renovation is scheduled to begin Oct. 9.

Ascher said about 1,200 people who use the library each day will be affected. As a result, library officials said they are publicizing the closure and giving out addresses for nearby libraries.

The Westminster Library will reopen Jan. 6.