CARSON, Calif. – Readers have many options when it comes to finding a good book. You can read it on your phone, listen to it, but some people? They prefer a physical copy.
One library in Carson is getting an update to keep up with technology.
A Series of Unfortunate Events were some of Chloeleen Mena’s favorite books to read at LA County Library’s Carson Library when she was younger.
“It just kind of helped with the imagination you know,” Mena said.
Mena has been coming to the library to read, study, and work on her homework since elementary school. Now, as a young adult she spends time here as a volunteer.
“The library as a whole, I think, is super important to the community. Just to have access to books to read like resources even computers and things like that and a space to study even,” Mena said.
Carson library has made an impact on Mena and soon the building will have room to help many more students and residents in the community.
The building is currently undergoing a $2.3 million renovation that will bring in a laptop vending machine, digital checkout stands, study rooms, and much more. The building is expected to re-open in early 2020, but until then, librarians like Michelle Pino will keep library doors open through a temporary express library at the same location.
“The library is very outdated. When they first opened, it was back in the 70's so it’s way overdue. We’re really looking forward to staying on top of what everybody, what everybody in the community needs,” Pino said.
Mena said she’s excited to see how the new tech will provide access in the community.
“I hope that it’ll give people more inspiration to read, to even just go to the library. People usually like all the new and shiny things so you know hopefully that brings more attention to the library and more people use the resources that are available,” Mena said.
Until then, she’ll spend time organizing the express libraries shelves and learning something new from the books she loved to read.
The express library will remain open during normal business hours until the renovation is complete.