FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The Bordeaux Branch of the Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center is currently undergoing changes that will increase the number of public computers, expedite the check out process and relocate the children’s services area. Funding for the improvements is provided in large part by a Library Services and Technology Act grant of $98,370 from the State Library of North Carolina. Additional funding to replace the carpeting was approved by the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners.

Located at 3711 Village Dr., Bordeaux is the smallest, oldest and second busiest community library branch in the county. Under its current configuration, it could not keep up with the demands for its services. Over the past year, library staff members have conducted a focus group and surveyed customers about what they would like to see at Bordeaux. Overwhelmingly, the response was more public computers and better access to consumer information. As a result, Bordeaux will be transformed in the coming months.
Here are the highlights of what the community can expect:

• Seventeen new computers for a total of 26 stations and four additional  laptops available for use while in the library
• A new computer lab to serve customers in what is currently the children’s area
• The children’s area will be relocated to the front of the library to take advantage of the natural lighting that comes through the large picture windows
• The children’s area will have new furniture and features
• The quiet study room, which is now a small computer lab, will be transformed back to its original purpose with new furniture and access to the library’s Wifi
• In the “main area,” new carpet will be installed and the shelving will be reconfigured allowing space for improved seating and lighting
• Radio Frequency Identification technology will be installed to provide easy self check out
• The collection will target consumer information in the areas of health, jobs and careers

The library remains open while small changes such as shifting books are occurring. The major changes to Bordeaux are expected to take a few weeks later this year. Work will be done as quickly as possible to minimize the time the library will be closed.
Larry Gavin is the Bordeaux Branch Library manager. He can be reached at (910) 424-4008.