Covington library undergoes $9M renovation

COVINGTON, Ky. - The Kenton County Public Library’s Covington Branch will stay open throughout the next two years, while $9 million in renovations and expansions get underway. However, the parking lot is closed as of Monday.

The parking lot at the Kenton County Public Library's Covington Branch was closed for construction within the lot, as well as for the expansion of the building.

The project “Rebuilding for the Future” includes adding 10,000 square feet to the front of the 37-year-old library.

It will also house 40 new computers to the 60 already in use. The new computers will include the newest technology for the children’s section and to-be-expanded teen-reading area.

“We are providing age-appropriate computers so we’ll have computers specifically for early literacy, specifically for teens, and specifically designed for the needs of our adult community members,” said Julie Allegrini, the Covington Branch manager.

Allegrini said the use of the building has increased and space is limited, therefore, Phase I of the Covington Library branch renovation and expansion project will include:

construction of temporary staff offices on the first floor
construction of the new circulation department
construction of a drive-thru for circulation
beginning of construction of the lower level children's department
renovation of 2nd-floor, to create genealogy department

The Covington branch, she said, is the oldest of the three library branches in Kenton County. While it's structurally sound, the building is in great need of updating and repair to most of its infrastructure.

The roof, the branch manager said, is original, and will be replaced. The stairwells will be brought up to current standards and sprinklers added.

Those visiting the Covington library can use the Mid-Town parking garage located at the corner of Fifth and Scott streets, directly across from the library.

Visitors should bring in their parking ticket to be validated at the library during their visit for free parking. The north ramp entrance to the library will be accessible during this phase of construction.

The project is slated to wrap up by summer 2013.

For information about the renovation visit www.kentonlibrary.org/covington.