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When patrons of the Claremont Branch Library walk through the doors of the reopened facility Monday morning, they’ll find wider aisles, more accessible restrooms and improved wheelchair ramps and railings. 

And just as importantly, the “hideous” orange carpet has been replaced. 

“I think a lot of people will be happy to see that gone,” Audrey Powers, branch services manager for the Berkeley Public Library, said on a walkthrough of the renovated library Wednesday morning. 

While aesthetic changes will be appreciated by almost everyone, disabled and mobility-impaired patrons have particular reason to be pleased. The men’s and women’s restrooms have been redesigned and are now fully accessible to wheelchairs; an automatic-opening front door has been installed; aisles between shelves are wider, allowing wheelchairs to move smoothly through the library; new shelves are in place; and the children’s storyroom is now on the same elevation as the rest of the library. 

Other improvements include interior repainting, a new book drop, improved wiring system and, of course, that new carpet (instead of “hideous” orange, it’s now a more modern, multicolor mix). The library also now has some new, ergonomically sound furniture for the staff. 

Most of the $250,000 project was funded through the city’s ADA Building Improvement Fund, which is used to make city structures compliant with federal Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Remaining money came from the library’s budget, the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library, and the Claremont Branch Gift Fund, including a donation from Red Oak Realty. 

The library was scheduled to reopen a few weeks ago, but that was delayed because of problems encountered along the way, including roof leaks and extensive mildew. 

During Wednesday’s walkthrough with the Daily Planet, Powers pointed out some of the internal changes that have been made to the library’s book and periodical collections. For example, in the children’s department, two of the most popular sections – dinosaurs and animals, and fairy tales – are located along the widest aisle, thanks to the reconfiguration. 

And outdated reference books, some upwards of 30 years old, have been removed. 

“By virtue of our being closed, we had some extra staff time to do some collection cleanup,” Powers said. “It’s a much better collection, and it will be cleaner, nicer and more updated.” 

Other staff members seemed generally pleased with the changes to their library. Children’s Librarian Dawn Swanson said many parents will be glad that all of the picture books are now placed in the children’s storyroom. 

“I don’t think it will result in any changes in our programs,” she said. “But it’s great that it’s all accessible now.” 

The library at 2940 Benvenue Ave. reopens at 10 a.m. Monday for its regular hours: from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.