Tualatin Public Library

Elite '09

252

669

Jen K.

West Linn, OR

9/18/2008

Another case of keeping up with the Joneses?

I spent many Saturday mornings at this library before we moved last fall and it was dilapidated to say the least.  The staff spent a year in a temporary space before the grand reopening of the new library and city offices last month.  I finally made it back to check out the new digs, as well as some books and DVDs.  

So modern and spacious with soaring ceilings and large windows.  What a contrast to its gloomy 70s-era brick predecessor.  It was hard for me to adjust to the new surroundings and so odd to see the same friendly librarians working in five times the space.  They are even installing a coffee bar in the lobby for cripes sake.

When you enter, there is a large glass etching of a dinosaur and throughout the building there is this interesting mix of old and new.  The city's historical artifacts are displayed next to the New Releases section.  

The large children's area has comfy chairs and 'Fatboy' beanbags.  The teen zone is in the back corner and looks more like a lounge.  I was really impressed by the mix of social areas, especially the lounge by the large fireplace and periodicals, with community rooms and more secluded reading zones.

It felt more like a community center and gathering place than a 'hush-hush' library.  It will be interesting to see how the library grows and develops as the community starts to use the new facility.  I sure hope West Linn and Wilsonville don't get too jealous.

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