Major Makeover at the Madera County Library

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Madera County Library is getting a big makeover. The sounds of hammers and saws are filling the usually quiet Madera County Public Library in Madera.

Madera County Librarian Ellen Mester said, "I'm so pleased that no one has complained about the noise. In fact, they usually make jokes, like 'hey don't they know it's the library it's supposed to be quiet.'"

Mester is happy to be working in a construction zone because this 1970s building is getting a major upgrade to make it more accessible and attractive. Local residents are excited for the changes.

Madera resident Stephen Soto said, "I think it's great. I think it's very much needed. I think it's been the same way pretty much my whole life. I've been coming here since I was a kid."

The library is becoming more accessible, particularly for the disabled.

Mester said, "Also we will have new stairs and a new wheel chair lift so people have access to upstairs which we have a wonderful California history and family research room upstairs."

The front door will be upgraded with a push button and restrooms are getting remodeled and brought up to ADA code. The changes are thanks to a $500,000 donation from the Red and Nancy Arnold Foundation.

"And when they told me the size of the gift I was like really stunned and it was very exciting," said Mester.

It's the largest known private donation to the library. The county also stepped in with matching funds. Work on the library is expected to be completed in March.

10,000 people visit this library every month. Officials say the renovations will help bring knowledge to even more people here in the community.