Downtown Davenport library reopens after remodeling

The Davenport Public Librarys downtown branch reopened Friday after about a two-week hiatus for the installation of new carpeting in the building.

Patrons will notice some changes, as the large service desk that greeted them as they walked in the door has been downsized a bit and put off to the side.

In its place is a section for new books, an element that seemed to be a hit with some of the people browsing the building Friday morning.

"When you walk in, it looks bigger and better," said Tammy Grubbs, a weekly visitor from Davenport, who was checking out items with her son.

The $100,000 cost of the new carpeting, which was installed on the second floor and in meeting rooms in the library's lower level, was donated by the FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library, a nonprofit support group.

Lexie Reiling, the library's marketing and programming supervisor, said moving the new books to center stage on the first floor makes them more readily available.

"That's a very popular area," she said.

In addition, a second service desk was installed on the first floor near the computers, so a staffer can be nearby if patrons need assistance.

The main downtown library is one of three libraries in the city, and Reiling said the two others, particularly the Fairmount Street branch, saw an increase in use while the facility at 4th and Main streets was closed.

Grubbs was one of those who said she used the Fairmount branch while the downtown library was closed.

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Downtown Davenport library reopens after remodeling