The Kuskokwim Consortium Library in Bethel’s Cultural Center is reopening after a five month renovation. Library goers will enjoy new carpets, furniture, and more.
Theresa Quiner is the acting Library Director for the Kuskokwim Consortium Library.
“Were finishing up some of the last punch-list items, but pretty much they’re done with most of the construction and we’re set to open back up on Saturday," said Quiner.
Immediately noticeable when entering the room is that new carpet smell.
The library has a blue-and-red carpet, some new wooden shelves, desks, and white paint on the walls. It looks much newer and cleaner than the gray carpet and old furniture they had before.
“We primarily got new carpet, painting, we got a new service desk, we reconfigured some things so that we could have all of the computers in front of the library, we also had a bathroom put in the library," said Quiner.
There was also a gate installed in the hall outside the library so that the library can be open when the rest of the building is closed.
Quiner says Orutsararmiut Native Council, the local tribal organization, pitched in.
“We also got a lot of new items through a grant with ONC, so we got some new shelves for the Children’s Room and some of the new, the Lego table, and a new rocking chair, some stuff like that," said Quiner.
Quiner says that anyone who finds the new computer chairs comfortable can thank ONC as well.
The Kuskokwim Consortium Library will reopen Saturday at noon.
“We’re doing a trick or treating event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. At 3 p.m we’re doing a Halloween themed storytime with a craft afterwards, and it’s all ages," said Quiner.
The Yup’iit Piciryarait Cultural Center also had new carpeting installed in their conference rooms and office spaces. Reyne Athanas is the coordinator for the Cultural Center.
“We’re gonna be watching those people with cake, ice cream and red punch," said Athanas.
The renovations for the Kuskokwim Consortium Library cost around $750,000.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks, Kuskokwim Campus and the City of Bethel fund the library.
The library will also waive all previous unpaid fines and fees to start users with a clean slate. They will also provide replacement library cards on the first day of opening.
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