The Alto branch of Kent District Library (KDL) has a fresh new look, thanks to a surprise opportunity that brought in modern shelving—at almost no cost to the community.
The upgrade came courtesy of the Walker Branch, which is building a brand-new facility. When library managers learned that gently used shelving would soon be discarded unless claimed, the Alto team had just a few short weeks to make a move.
“We had to act fast,” says Dave Palma, Regional Manager II for the Englehart and Alto branches. “We only had a week to go in, disassemble everything, and get it transported to Alto. Anything we didn’t take would be sold for scrap.”
The Alto crew sprang into action—coordinating with the local Downtown Development Authority (DDA), using KDL vans, and putting in extra hours to complete the swap while keeping the library open.
The payoff? A total shelving overhaul that would have cost more than $40,000 if purchased new.
A Big Boost in Space and Style
The previous wooden shelves, which had been salvaged from a church decades ago, gave the library a cozy, small-town feel. But time had taken its toll. Some were warped, worn, and even prone to tipping over if bumped the wrong way.
The new metal shelving not only looks clean and consistent, but it also takes up less space while holding more books. That freed up room for display tables, more seating, and a new home for the library’s popular community puzzle.
“We’ve been able to increase our collection, highlight more popular titles, and make better use of our floor space,” Palma explains. “And it’s all much safer and more accessible for patrons.”
Patrons Taking Notice
The community has responded positively to the changes. Visitors have praised the updated look, the better organization, and the thoughtful layout—especially the relocation of public computers to a quieter section.
Of course, not everyone loves sudden change.
“Some folks were surprised by how quickly it all happened,” Palma admits. “But once they see the benefits—more books, safer shelves, and huge savings—they’ve been very receptive.”
Looking Ahead
With shelving upgrades complete, the library team is already dreaming about what’s next. Roof repairs are currently in the works, and hopes are high for new carpet and a fresh coat of paint in the near future.
And then there’s the big dream: transforming the upstairs space—once a roller rink—into a vibrant community area.
“There are a lot of hurdles to making that happen, but it would be amazing,” says Palma. “In the meantime, we’re thrilled with how far we’ve come.”
One thing hasn’t changed, though: the library’s heart.
“Everyone on our team loves serving this community,” Palma adds. “We greet most of our patrons by name. We’ve expanded Storytimes, added new programs, and now we’ve got shelves that actually keep the books on them. It’s all about making the library better for the people who use it.”
From cozy charm to modern function, the Alto Library is proving that with teamwork, quick thinking, and a little luck, even small-town branches can make big things happen.
Leave a Reply