New furniture at top of library renovation list

Pam Collins, the library’s director, said the $250,000 in renovations will help provide an “enhanced experience” particularly for children and young adults.

New furniture is among the library’s concerns because it has not changed since the library opened three decades ago. The children’s department will also undergo changes, making shelves lower for younger age groups and providing a place for new mothers.

“As the children grow, the furniture and shelves [in the children’s department] will get bigger,” Collins said.

The money for the renovations has come primarily from estates and wills, as well as profits made by Friends of the Library book sales. Tutoring rooms, an enhanced teen area with bean bags and young adult books as well as an electric fireplace, will also be added to the library. Collins said it will provide a “comfortable and cozy feel.”

On top of the renovations in the various departments, the computers will be updated with 65 educational and learning games and one bilingual computer.

The renovation will take place from Friday, Oct. 9 to Monday, Oct. 19. The library’s Web site will still be accessible and computers will be available for library patrons to use at the Muscatine Center for Social Action.

The City Council commended Collins on the upcoming renovations.

In other business, the Council:

n Heard a proposed plan for the Muscatine Recycling and Transfer Station to offer agreements with businesses for a $50 tipping fee if it is locked in for five years. The Council was divided on the five-year contract but agreed that the proposal was a first step toward lowering the landfill’s budget deficit.

n Heard a proposal from interim City Administrator Randy Hill and fire Chief Steve Dalbey for a succession and retention plan to encourage and promote current city employees. Hill suggested that with retirements in the next 10 years, there will be no one to replace important positions — some of which are already unfilled.

Through a proposed mentoring program, city employees would have the opportunity for more hands-on training, but Hill stressed the importance of increasing wages across the board.

Split on the decision to make a motion Thursday, the Council decided unanimously to bring the proposal back for discussion at its October in-depth meeting.