DAPHNE, Ala. — Construction has begun on a new 16-station computer lab at the Daphne Public Library that will allow the facility to offer more classes and services to patrons.

The bulk of the project’s cost — around $1 million — was drawn from a 2006 bond issue used for capital construction, including City Hall and U.S. Highway 90 sewer improvements.

The new 3,191-square-foot computer lab is phase one of three proposed additions. The two additional phases, library director Tonja Young said, will require raising funds.

Phase two includes erecting an auditorium; phase three would enlarge the junior, young adult and reference areas.

Construction, which broke ground in July, is set to be completed by the end of the year, Young said.

“There’s been a very noticeable need for more computer space, more shelving space for materials, one-on-one research assistance and more meeting space over the last few years,” Young said. “Demand has continually risen at a rate of about 10 percent every month.”

The library adds around 150 new patrons to its circulation system and circulates more than 20,000 items each month.

“We can’t take care of all the growing demands at once, so we had to make a choice,” Young said. “The computer lab seemed appropriate because so many people are using public computers for resumes, job applications, homework research, free communication with friends and family and many other personal and professional needs,” Young said.

“We almost always have more computer patrons than we can serve,” she said. The library currently has eight public work stations.

Young said the facility has applied for a technology grant from U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner’s office to help pay for technological resources.

“It will be set up where we can have formal classes,” Young said, of the renovated facility.

Young adult librarian Louise Youngblood will teach Alabama Virtual Library classes and research workshops; reference librarian Anne Morris will teach research and methods classes; introduction to technology courses for senior citizens will also be offered.

“As for the young adult area, I am looking forward to the ability to offer instruction on using the AVL and other online resources,” Youngblood said. “The goal here is awareness and offering teens tools that will allow them to self-navigate successfully into this large and often confusing body of knowledge … no matter what the subject of interest may be.”

All of the classes will be free and open to the public.

“We'll offer courses in the basics: beginning computer, how to use the keyboard and mouse, and word processing, e-mail and Web basics,” Morris said. “We'll be able to show people how to use the Alabama Virtual Library and other online databases for school or other research.”

She added that an introduction to social networking class is also in the plans.

With the additions, Youngblood can create an environment that is inviting to young adults, offers opportunities to expand their interest and provides a safe place where they can interact with their own age group.

“Teens live in a very fast-paced and often high-stress setting; social and academic expectations are increasing at a rapid pace for our young people,” Youngblood said. “I hope to create an environment here at the Daphne Public Library that will offer some relief from this seemingly spiral mode.

“I feel that teens can benefit from an environment that promotes browsing through stacks, offers a place to listen to their favorite music selection or audio book while using our new wireless headset and player, and provides opportunities to meet other teens their age.”

The library will soon send out surveys to residents to gauge public interest regarding classes and services.

Construction plans also include adding workspace for staff, a drive-up book drop and a donation door.

Project manager Forrest McCaughn said a challenge his design team faced was, “to incorporate the building and service drive in the small area available in which the expansion needed to occur to best serve the interior functional needs.”

He added that designing the building using the existing materials and design vocabulary was essential in giving the appearance that the addition was an integral part of the original design.

Morris, whose desk is currently centered in the middle of the library’s main floor, will soon have a private office.

Young said, as a reference librarian, Morris is often asked sensitive questions by patrons, and that added privacy will benefit those seeking personal health or financial advice.

“Patrons, from teens to seniors, may be looking for resources on general health and wellness, or information on medical conditions, substance abuse, elder care, or other sensitive subjects.,” Morris said. “Also, a little privacy can be good when a patron isn't ‘tech savvy’ and needs some help getting started in the library.

“We're pleased that we'll have a room where patrons won't have to announce more delicate reference questions in high traffic areas by the circulation desk and the ‘new books’ shelf. We're a busy place, and the current reference desk is right in the middle of things.”

Space will also be added for proctoring exams. The library regularly oversees distance-learning examinations.

Young added that the Library Foundation, a newly-formed, non-profit organization, will have a kickoff event later this fall.

“This foundation was formed by local citizens and board members to promote the library and to raise funds to support the library,” Young said.

For more information, call 621-2818.