Robert Trail Library: Get ready to read

Talk about it

Being part of a new library opening is a unique occasion. In fact, for the 13 people working at the Robert Trail Library, set to open Feb. 9, it is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Most librarians will live their whole lives and never get to do this,” said children’s lead librarian Kathy Kleckner. “It’s exciting to be part of a new branch in a community that has never had a library before.”

A week before the library is set to open shiny new books, CDs and DVDs line the shelves waiting for someone to come check them out. Empty and half-filled boxes are strewn about as library staff finish shelving materials.

The staff has worked diligently since mid-December to put out the 45,000 items that will make up the Robert Trail Library catalog. It’s taken countless hours but the library has come together nicely, said staff.

“When we first saw all the boxes I felt overwhelmed but it’s gone well,” Kleckner said.

The hard work will be worth it when the library opens to the public Monday.

“The community is so excited about the library opening,” said Rosemount resident and library information assistant Evonne Bue.

Bue said she believes the library will be a hit with the community, especially kids who can walk over from nearby schools.

Branch manager Jamie Jurgensen anticipates a busy first few weeks based on the number of curious phone calls the library has received. Additionally, the Robert Trail Library is a popular-materials library, meaning it is filled with the most current titles and reader favorites, which is sure to draw people in.

“I think after the first few days the shelves will be pretty bare,” Jurgensen said.

The building itself is attractive and fun to spend time in, said Jurgensen. The wide open space is brightly lit with natural sunlight flooding in from big widows. Brightly colored furniture stands out from black carpeting.

“It’s an uplifting and welcoming space,” said Jurgensen.

The children’s area at the eastern end of the library sticks out the most because of the 12 foot tall lime green Castle Kilcumreragh sculpture that honors Rosemount’s Irish heritage.

“The castle is very special because it connects the library to the community,” said Kleckner.

Short shelves and unique seating make the space a haven for kids. Jurgensen’s favorite part of the children’s section is a low-lying window where kids will be able to curl up and read or watch the cars drive by on Robert Trail.

The little kids aren’t the only one who get their own space. An area reserved for teens should attract older kids from the nearby Rosemount Middle School and high school.

Fitted with brightly colored booths the area should provide a neat place to hang out, said library assistant Autumn Lynch.

“The library is really lucky to have its own teen section,” Lynch said. She said teens often get neglected in libraries.

Throughout the library more than 60 computers will be available for use including a computer lab where classes will be taught. Library visitors will have to sign up to use the computers and will be limited to one hour. Additionally, there will be spaces for patrons to plug in their laptops. The computers, Jurgensen said, should be a big draw as well.

The days of a hushed library are gone but for those who need quiet several study rooms are available .

The public will finally get the chance to use the library when it opens at 10 a.m Monday, Feb. 9. There will be a grand opening celebration at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 starting.

While they will likely have a few bugs to work out, Jurgensen said they are ready to open and excited to serve the community.

“We have an enthusiastic staff and are looking forward to becoming part of the community.”

Library hours will be 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. During the summer months the library will be closed Sunday.

The library will share the building with a new Dakota County License Center. The center will replace the one in city hall, which closed Feb. 5.

The center will accept homestead applications, issue birth and death certificates, take passport photos and transfer vehicle titles. Hours for the center will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tags: robert trail library, news, opens