CAPE LIBRARY TO CLOSE AT MONTH'S END FOR REMODELING

If you're a speed reader, beware. The days are dwindling for you to check out and read books from the Cape Girardeau Public Library, which is scheduled to close for two weeks for a remodeling project.

The library will close Oct. 30 and reopen Nov. 15 with a new coat of paint on its walls, new carpet and new lighting.

The work will cost $141,000 and is the first extensive remodeling project for the library since it was built 20 years ago.

The remodeling isn't just a change in appearance but will be a complete overhaul. Work is planned on the library's restrooms, as well as the Hirsch Community Room and the periodical room.

New lighting and donations to the periodical reading room will create a place where people will be comfortable and sit to read. The room is being renamed in honor of George Penzel, a frequent library patron whose family has donated money to the project.

Civic groups who use the Hirsch Room have offered $1,100 in donations for its remodeling.

The community room is used free of charge by civic groups and for all library programs. It will get new wallboard that makes it more suitable for displaying artwork and cabinets for storage.

None of the library's collection -- 100,000 books, 1,300 videotapes, 1,200 books on tape, 700 compact discs or 1,000 large-print books, will leave the building during the remodeling, said Director Betty Martin.

"People have been calling and thought we were looking for storage space," she said.

But the collection isn't leaving, just moving to a box.

Library staff and anyone who wants to offer their help will pack the materials into boxes, take apart the shelves and move the items so that walls can be painted and carpet laid. About 1/3 of the shelves will be cleared at a time.

No fines will be charged while the library is closed, Martin said.

"We are reassuring people," she said. Items can still be checked out up until the library closes.

Volunteers who would like to help pack books and other materials can call the library at 334-5279.