Changes in the works for Tulsa Libraries

Wednesday, May 8th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The next chapter in the story of the Martin Regional Library is all about change. It opens Friday after a renovation to give it more space, more books and more computers - and employees are rushing to put it all together.

Besides more than doubling the space, the library enlarged a section that caters to hispanic readers. The added titles in Spanish meet a growing demand from Hispanic readers.

Many of the features in this branch will be duplicated in the next branch to open - the Library at 51st -a storefront disconnected from a neighborhood.

Linda Saferite, Library Director: "People are very busy and customers often weave a library visit into their busy errand day so being near a grocery store is an asset so they can accomplish two or three errands in one stop."

What will be the new branch is still an empty room. It opens in two weeks - but is not a permanent location.

Saferite: "The library at 51st is in an interim location and we will seek a permanent site and in the next bond election or if a donor comes forward, we would be able to have a permanent library, which would be about double the size of this building."

The Nathan Hale Library is a temporary casualty of all the change.v It closes Saturday for a quarter million dollar renovation - expected to take six months. Taxpayers decided the changes were worth paying for in a $22 million dollar bond issue approved four years ago. The next branch to scheduled to open is near 101st and Memorial - another year from now.