Windsor Public Library's Budimir branch gets snazzy new look

Plans for the $2.9-million expansion of the Windsor Public Library's Budimir branch are starting to take shape.

The designs for the south Windsor location call for almost doubling the floor space.

There will be a new main entrance at the back, but the front of the building on Grand Marais Road will keep the same look, with a patio added.

"They've been asking for years for more space," said branch manager Christine Rideout-Arkell. "There's days I walk in and every single seat, every single table is used, and this location gets so much traffic."

Rideout-Arkell said some nights, teenagers have no space to do their school work and have had to sit on the floor.

"I think people are really excited to have not only just the extra space, but space that's flexible and accessible, and we can use it in all sorts of different ways."

Designs for the 6,000-square-foot addition were approved last month and work is set to begin at the end of the year. 

Rideout-Arkell said there are still some things library users can have their say about. 

"The big bones are sort of set I think at this point, but certainly the inside space, there's some flexibility there and to how things can be laid out and what things can be added and features and services."

Construction is expected to wrap up in the spring of 2020 but the library hopes to keep the branch open while the project is happening.

An open house is being held on Wednesday at the branch where people can take a look at the plans. That runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 6.