VALE – A major renovation to the Vale Emma Humphrey Library will add more space for books and computers.
The work, funded by two grants, is a nearly $7,000 investment.
“It frees up almost 200 square feet,” said Todd Fuller, Vale city manager.
Essentially, two walls in the library behind the front desk were removed to add the extra space. A new alcove – with a window that connects it to the main office – will host the library’s five computers. Other extra space will be devoted to book shelves, according to Librarian Yvonne Tolman.
Tolman said she initially could not get a bid on the work and so decided to go a different route.
“All the labor is done by volunteers, mostly my family,” said Tolman.
Tolman said the only contracting work will be completed by Stepleton Electric.
More space for books is important to Tolman, who took over as librarian in early 2022.
Tolman said she wants to add more than 2,500 titles over the next few years.
“I’d like to beef up our young adult section,” said Tolman.
Tolman said she is also exploring more grant money to buy new computers.
When finished the layout of the library will showcase some major differences.
Along with the alcove for the computers, the front desk will be moved back, toward the library’s north wall. That, said Tolman, will create more space for standing bookshelves between the front door and the circulation desk.
“I just want those titles, those new books because this library hasn’t seen the newest stuff,” said Tolman.
News tip? Contact reporter Pat Caldwell at [email protected]
HOW TO SUBSCRIBE – The Malheur Enterprise delivers quality local journalism – fair and accurate. You can read it any hour, any day with a digital subscription. Read it on your phone, your Tablet, your home computer. Click subscribe – $7.50 a month.