Reimagining Library Spaces: One Library’s Journey to a Modern Makeover
As you walk through the doors of the Saline District Library (SDL), set on a 14-acre wooded property, it’s clear that this is a place where community, innovation, and nature converge. Under the leadership of Library Director Karrie Waarala, SDL has embarked on a large scale renovation to better serve its 28,000 residents. The updates aren’t just about new furniture or fresh paint—they’re about transforming how the library connects with its patrons and fulfills its mission.
As Waarala puts it, “Saline is either a big small town or a small city.” A bedroom community to Ann Arbor, it has a close-knit, small-town vibe, while also attracting professionals who work at the University of Michigan. The library itself mirrors this dynamic: offering traditional services alongside cutting-edge digital resources and programs, all tailored to the needs of a diverse community.
A Vision for the Future
SDL’s 2022-2026 strategic plan set the stage for the library’s ongoing transformation. Developed with consultants from ReThinking Libraries with input from surveys and focus groups—though delayed by the pandemic—it identifies four key goals:
Optimizing Spaces: The library needed better teen areas, more accessible layouts, and improved use of its outdoor spaces.
Increasing Connections: Outreach and community partnerships were prioritized to strengthen ties with both users and nonusers.
Expanding Awareness: Marketing efforts aim to highlight the library’s offerings to the broader community.
Enhancing Resources: Balancing investments in digital collections with the preservation of robust print offerings is central to SDL’s mission.
“Our building is great, and the land is beautiful,” Waarala explains, “but the two weren’t talking to each other.”
The Renovation Plan
The library partnered with Quinn Evans Architects in 2022 to create a vision for its redesign. Afterward, the Board engaged McCarthy & Smith as the construction management firm. The renovation, carefully planned in three phases to keep the library open as much as possible, addresses both functional and aesthetic needs.
Phase 1: Teen Room and Adult Area
Completed over the summer of 2024, the first phase doubled the size of the teen room, a critical improvement given SDL’s proximity to a middle school. “After school, we see a lot of teens here, and we wanted to create a space that really works for them,” Waarala says.
Phase 2: Staff Workspaces and Main Desk
The second phase, completed by October, focused on staff areas and the main desk. “This was the trickiest phase,” Waarala admits. “We had temporary checkout desks, staff working out of study rooms, and administration staff in the computer lab. It required a lot of creativity.” Lessons from the tight transition between phases one and two led the team to allow three days of downtime before starting the third phase—a move that gave everyone more time and created much less stress.
Phase 3: Youth Department and Program Rooms
Currently underway, the final phase includes major changes to the youth department, relocating the Friends of the Library (FOL) bookshop, and building new program rooms. “The old program room was lovely but impractical,” Waarala explains, citing its vaulted ceilings and large windows. Moving the FOL bookshop into this space frees up room for programming that better meets community needs.
Beyond the Building: Outdoor Enhancements
The renovation extends to SDL’s beautiful outdoor spaces, making them more accessible for all patrons. A new pavilion, a paved story trail, and a plaza area have transformed the grounds.
“After the pandemic, we started doing more outdoor programming, but the lawn wasn’t accessible for everyone,” Waarala says. Now, visitors can enjoy programs, stroll the story trail, or relax on benches in the plaza. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new pavilion, Waarala observed patrons using the space exactly as envisioned: “People were chatting on benches and enjoying the trail—it was wonderful to see.”
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Renovation projects rarely go off without a hitch, and SDL’s experience was no exception. Supply chain delays, especially for furniture, proved frustrating. “The main desk was delayed by two weeks because the floating ceiling above it couldn’t be mounted as planned,” Waarala recalls.
Still, the library’s partnership with McCarthy & Smith ensured the project stayed on track. Weekly meetings with the construction management firm kept the process transparent and efficient. “Having them guide us through the process was invaluable,” Waarala says.
One key takeaway was learning to prioritize staff well-being. The team’s initial focus on staying open every single day during transitions proved exhausting. Allowing extra days for phase changes in later stages made the process smoother for everyone.
A Fresh Look for a Beloved Space
SDL’s renovation isn’t just about functionality—it’s about creating a welcoming, modern environment. The new design leans into the library’s logo, which features tree leaves inspired by the property’s natural beauty. The logo is designed to subtly evoke the image of an open book. The new furniture uses the logo’s bright colors to create a cozy yet contemporary feel.
The new spaces align with the library’s evolving role in the community. As Waarala puts it, “Libraries are about more than books—they’re about people and connections.”
Looking Ahead
With renovations nearing completion, Waarala is excited about the future. “Our new program rooms will better suit our needs, and the outdoor spaces are already bringing people together,” she says. For SDL, the journey isn’t just about optimizing spaces but about re-envisioning what a library can be for its community. Saline District Library’s transformation shows the power of thoughtful planning, community input, and a vision rooted in service.
