By Tim Cherry
Staff Writer
Thursday, January 19, 2012

The Van Noy Library is temporarily closing down for a renovation project commencing Sunday.

The facility is receiving improvements to its interior structure and handicap accessibility.

“It’s an old building and it’s in desperate need of a facelift,” said Debra Taylor, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation marketing director.

Van Noy’s services are temporarily moving to DFMWR’s Outdoor Recreation office in building 778 on Johnston Road the week of Feb. 19.

The building is expected to reopen this spring or summer.

The facility’s renovations include installing new paint and carpet, restroom remodeling and upgrading the heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

A construction crew is also installing ramps and an elevator to make the building more accessible to people with disabilities.

Library Director Daniel Sadowitz said the improvements are very important as Van Noy serves many people with disabilities such as warriors in transition Soldiers and senior citizens.

“The bottom line is the community is going to get a much better library,” Sadowitz said.

Sadowitz said the building was originally constructed as a bowling alley which he estimated was built post-World War II.

The facility eventually became the post’s library and Sadowitz said Van Noy now has approximately 43,000 items in its catalogue.

The library’s most popular material such as best sellers, new books and audio talking books are the only items the library will circulate in the temporary Outdoor Recreation facility.

“We’re going to be offering very small services,” said Sadowitz who doesn’t expect the decreased catalogue will create difficulties for library employees or patrons.

“It’s a lot better than closing down and providing no service,” Sadowitz said.

DFMWR is still considering where to place the library’s weekly activities such as story time and book clubs.

The Van Noy project adds to the list of DFMWR facilities receiving renovations throughout the year with the assistance of the garrison. The organization’s fitness centers are getting upgrades to the floors, heating and water systems and the body shop will soon undergo alterations as well.

According to the DFMWR website, the improvements are meant to ensure the health and safety of the community.

The organization has developed a Facebook page that provides weekly updates on all the construction projects. Taylor recommends people check the site regularly for the latest on Van Noy and the rest of DFMWR’s projects. Visit www.belvoirmwr.com and click the link “Hard At Work For You” for more information on DFMWR’s construction projects.