MINDEN - The Douglas County Library is noisier than ever, Director Linda Deacy says, but it won't be long before the place is quiet as ... well, a library.
The added noise is from construction of an addition that will give the library enough room for people to find a bit of peace.
"One of the things we're looking for with the expansion is a quiet area," she said. "Somewhere where patrons can go and study in solitude."
County commissioners approved the 3,800-square-foot addition because of a steady increase in the number of people using the library. It will bring library space to 15,000 square feet.
Construction began Oct. 19 by American General Development of Carson City. The addition will cost $425,000.
"The noise comes from too many people in just too little space," Deacy said. "If you've been in here after school, there's a hum that seems to come from everywhere."
Library trustees had worked since 1993 to get the expansion approved.
New books will not be added to the space; instead, the expansion will allow for more movement within the library.
Deacy says the library staff has been piling books wherever they can find space. The staff includes19 employees, 100 volunteers and two friends groups.
The library in Minden will expand out toward the parking lot. Four lots south of the library have been purchased for a larger parking lot and new landscaping.
"This community has been hit with such enormous growth that it's been hard for all public agencies to keep up," Deacy said. The addition will provide space for meetings, computers and study.
Library patrons are asked to use the meeting room door. The library will remain open regular hours during construction.
