The Northampton Area Public Library earlier this year began putting together a major internal remodeling project that came to fruition June 12, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating the reopening.

Community groups and The Friends of the Northampton Library contributed to the effort with donations.

On April 17 the library officially closed its doors to begin renovations. The three-week remodeling project began April 18 and concluded May 11. By May 12, the library was up and running.

The project was a large undertaking with well over 160 recorded volunteer hours and over 20 volunteers. In addition to the volunteers, library staff also worked regularly scheduled eight-hour days, along with many Saturdays and evening hours.

The project included newly painted walls, new carpet and a new desk in the middle of the library floor.

"Relocating the desk allows the staff to be easily accessible to patrons and also enables the staff to communicate and access materials they need to do their jobs more efficiently," Melissa Hawk, library director said. "There are now three accessible checkpoints at the main desk which makes things so much easier."

The staff packed more than 60,000 items including books, CDs and DVDs in more than 1,000 boxes. Staff also had to ensure packing was done in such a precise way as to keep the books and other items in their correct order.

"We actually packed all the boxes and moved them three completely different times and to all different areas in the library in order to make room for the carpeting, painting and other installations that needed to be completed," Hawk said. "That in itself was quite a task. We were concerned when at one point we anticipated nearly 700 stackable boxes to be delivered, and they never came."

When the box company did not show up, Hawk's husband drove over 50 miles to the box supply company, loaded the boxes on his truck and delivered them to the library.

The library also sports a new lighted sign out front, donated by The Friends of the Northampton Library. It features the library's new logo, a sprig, to represent growth. The library's new theme is "Always Something New."

A new phone system was also installed in order to allow for easier internal communication among library staff. Also, new computer desks and chairs were added to the main floor for patrons.

The most obvious change is the overall openness within the library, especially with the removal of some of the larger shelves and tables. The computer tables and the inner circle were donated to the Coplay Public Library. Other items such as the old checkout desk, was donated for repurposing and recycling.

The library also installed a new interior digital sign for businesses and groups to advertise events and services. Any local group or business interested in advertising should contact the library for assistance.

"During the remodel, the staff and volunteers did almost all of the heavy lifting," Hawk said. "The library staff went above and beyond what was expected or even imagined for this remodel. They truly showed how much they care about their library, its patrons, and their community."

The library staff is now focused on its next project, which includes improvements to the community room and landscaping work. A local landscaping business contacted the library during the remodel and offered to help with some gardening.

"The volunteers showed us how much the community cares about its library and it was so good to see," Hawk said. "This wouldn't have happened without the dedication of the staff and all the hard-working volunteers.

The library offers a variety of programs such as a monthly adult book discussion group, various computer classes, one-on-one assistance with technology devices, summer reading programs and groups for a variety of ages.

The theme for this year's summer teen program is "Spark a Reaction" which will feature loosely-based science activities like tie-dying and making ice cream. The Teen Summer Literacy and Science Challenge is sponsored and made possible through grants from the PPL Corporation and The Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

The library is still accepting registrations for all summer programs for children of all ages.