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What's new at the library? Some highlights include: - New and expanded quiet study and group study areas including ones dedicated for teens and school-age children
- 92 state-of-the art computers for public use, many installed with current commonly-used software applications and Internet access
- Approximately 70,000 new items added to the collection, including 4,000 music CDs, 1,600 videos, and 2,000 DVDs for a total of almost 154,697 items waiting to be checked out
- Wireless Internet access throughout the building to accommodate wireless-equipped laptops
- Cozy reading areas around a working fireplace
- Creative and thought-provoking original works of art by four local artists
- An automated materials handling system that speeds up returned materials to library shelves
Can you provide some background information on the Eden Prairie Library? The Eden Prairie library in its previous location half a block east of here opened in 1986 with 15,000 square feet of space. The population then was approximately 26,000. With Eden Prairie's boom, the number of households has increased to almost 19,000 in 2004 with the number of residents projected to reach 60,000 in the next few years. The previous location was no longer sufficient to serve the growing community. In December of 2000 the County Board voted unanimously to purchase the former Lunds building and approved financing to renovate it for a new Eden Prairie Resource Library with approximately 40,000 square feet. Bentz/Thompson/Rietow of Minneapolis was architect for the project. This renovation project incorporated much green architecture as well as energy conservation measures such as: - Reuse of an existing building
- Use of recycled content carpet tiles
- Large arched windows flood the building with natural sunlight
- Use of materials that are low in emission of air pollutants
- Incorporate sustainable landscaping, including native plants
- Installation of Minnesota's first public natural gas fuel cell which will generate reliable electricity and heat on site
Where is the bookdrop at the new library? The 24-hour bookdrop is located outside to the left of the front entrance. It will be open at all times to receive library materials. There is also a return slot inside the building, to your left beyond the lobby doors. Why are there lights on inside the library late at night? The library lights are low wattage (70 to 250 watts) metal halide lights. Metal halide is a highly efficient, compact source of white light with remarkably long life. These lights do not consume much energy but they do produce much light. The building is well lit at night for security reasons and is timed to go off and on by automation. |
