For the first time since early January, people mingled among the shelves at C. H. Booth Library Saturday, March 8, within an hour of the building’s reopening.

The library has been closed since flooding from broken sprinkler pipes caused extensive damage the afternoon of Saturday, January 4. Now, computers are up and running, and other services are available.

As Young Adult Librarian Kim Weber shared with The Bee Wednesday, March 5, reconfigured spaces provide a more natural flow, and newly painted walls, woodwork, and new carpeting give the library a fresh look.

Multiple people were taking advantage of the library’s computers, like Newtown Middle School eighth grader Michael Arther, who tucked himself away in the Young Adult section.

“We’re just so happy to be open,” said Acting Director Beryl Harrison, near the front door of 45 Main Street.

The morning saw regular patrons breezing through including one who just stopped by to pick up a crossword puzzle.

The temporary information desk at the Edmond Town Hall is now closed and all forms that were located there have been moved to third floor Reference Department.

As C. H. Booth Board of Trustees President Martha Robilotti told The Bee prior to Saturday, “The soft reopening is scheduled to test all systems to make sure everything is working properly and make repairs if there are any glitches. I recommend patrons sign up to receive library blasts through their e-mail, so they are automatically updated on all library news.”

A grand opening to the public will take place Saturday, March 22, with special programs and entertainment.

Larry Thompson couldn’t wait, however, as he took a seat in one of the library’s reading chairs with The Newtown Bee spread before him.

“It’s wonderful to see that the library is reopened,” Mr Thompson said. “It’s a special place.”

The Children’s Department was bustling just half-an-hour after the building reopened, with mothers and children piling stacks of books in their arms to take home.

C. H. Booth Library Board of Trustees member Tom D’Agostino was also milling around the library during the soft opening. He noted all of the people and companies that came together — the library staff, Ken Burns Electric, JP Maguire, Precision Alarms, and others — to make the reopening possible.

“They all pulled it off and pulled it together,” said Mr D’Agostino. Adding later, “It’s good to see us open.”

Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 8 pm; Friday, 11 am to 5 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am to 5 pm; and Sunday noon to 5 pm. Program information can be found at www.chboothlibrary.org.

The Friends of the C. H. Booth Library announced this week that as of March 8, donations of books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, and computer games will again be accepted at the library. Donations can be placed on the cart outside the Children’s Department any time during library hours.

Donations can also be made at the trailer set up for that purpose at the Newtown Transfer Station on Ethan Allen Road, off of Route 25. No permit is required to enter. 

Pick up can be arranged for large donations by calling 203-270-4537.