From the parking lot, the Archer Library appears the same as when it opened in 1993. After a few steps inside, clues like bare 2x4s and plastic coverings indicate the internal remodeling is underway.
Branch Manager Lesia Schnur said many patrons think this internal remodeling is all that’s changing, but after walking around the branch, a construction site comes into view with four walls and a roof already completed.
The Archer Library expansion will nearly double the size of the branch—from 3,427 square feet to 6,313 square feet—and add dedicated children and teen areas. The expansion will also provide a quiet reading room, two study rooms and a MakerSpace.
“We’re very excited because we’re going to be able to have all of these amenities that will supplement all of our materials,” Schnur said.
She said the library’s current meeting room really serves as a multipurpose room, and after construction, community groups will be able to use the space and kitchenette.
Because of a retention pond and septic tank to one side of the library, Schnur said the construction could only build out from the back wall of the current building. Two doorways will puncture the back wall to allow access. Because of the straight back expansion, the building looks the same as always from the front.
Schnur joined the Archer branch in February 2022 and said the district had planned the remodeling around three years ago before delays pushed back the timeline. The library hopes the construction will finish in October, allowing more breathing room as the branch finishes 30 years.
During construction, the library remains open for patrons, but the staff has made adjustments.
Instead of four full-time staff members, the library has two while the other two employees work at the Tower Road Branch. The team works entirely from the front desk leaving little room for extra people.
Around half of the library’s collection has also been moved. Schnur said the Headquarters Library in Gainesville is safeguarding many of the print books, CD books and other items.
However, the library kept most of its DVD collection. Schnur said DVDs formed 46% of circulation for April 2023 and are popular items for the Archer Branch.
Patrons can still access books by browsing the district’s entire catalog online. With a library card, they can check out the item and request pickup at their local branch. Schnur said residents used the system proficiently even before remodeling started, resulting in little disruption.
“We get items in the district incredibly fast, and so if it’s sitting on the shelf at another branch, we can have it here usually by the next day,” Schnur said.
The Archer Branch will go without summer programming and other opportunities like the seed library. But Schnur said the expansion will allow for more opportunities down the road, like supplemental programs for a large homeschool population.
The study rooms will allow proctored online testing, the MakerSpace will allow more arts and the quiet room will allow reading in peace.
“We’re getting through this awkward period of growth. But once we get through it, we are hoping to be the heart and soul of Archer,” Schnur said.
