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Sept. 15, 2008
Pat Kuehn, APR
Community Information Specialist

DELTONA REGIONAL LIBRARY CLOSED FOR RENOVATION

The Deltona Regional Library closed for 16 months beginning May 24, 2008, to accommodate an $11.7 million expansion project that will double the library’s size and add an environmental learning center and outdoor amphitheater.

Construction costs are estimated at $8.8 million with another $2.9 million designated for architectural fees, relocation expenses, furniture, fixtures, equipment and artwork.

The library is one of Volusia County’s busiest libraries, accounting for 16 percent of county library transactions. Last year, Deltona patrons checked out more than 580,000 items and accounted for 1.9 million transactions.

During the closure, staff is providing limited library services in two modular units and a bookmobile on Daytona Beach College’s Deltona campus. The modular units will have public access computers and adult and teen materials available for check-out. They are open from 9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday.

The bookmobile circulates children’s items in Deltona Monday through Friday and is stationed in DeLeon Springs Tuesday afternoons and Saturdays.

The expansion project will double the library’s size from 25,000 to 50,000 square feet. The computer area, auditorium and children’s sections will be enlarged, and a new teen area will be built. Also in the plans is a two-room meeting suite that can be accessed by community groups after hours.

A 4,000-square-foot environmental learning center will be part of the library complex. The center is being developed to encourage discovery and exploration of Volusia County’s ecosystems and foster community involvement in conservation efforts. Staff will provide field, classroom and laboratory environmental experiences.

The environmental learning center will include two classrooms, exhibition space, a visiting scientist’s workroom, and a coffee and gift shop.

The library expansion and environmental learning center will be “green.” The County will apply for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council to certify the building is environmentally responsible and a healthy place to work. Additionally, the landscaping will incorporate Florida native plants that thrive in local conditions and require less maintenance and no supplemental irrigation once established.

A 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheater will be constructed next to the library for community gatherings and educational instruction.

The Deltona City Commission has contributed $2 million toward the expansion project and will pay $250,000 a year for 10 years to help with maintenance and operating costs.

The entire complex – including the expanded library, environmental learning center and amphitheater – is expected to open in late September  2009.

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