The Yorba Linda Library will be getting a long awaited, much needed renovation thanks to the actions of the Yorba Linda Planning Commission at its June 14 meeting.

Essentially, the plan will add 4,335 square feet to the library and the parking lot complex.

The biggest improvement, said Carol Ann Tassio, library director, will be the expanded shelf space, which will increase the book collection to 130,000, a 30 percent increase.

Tassios, went on to say the “new look,” will also feature: a centralized reference-information desk, a specially designed research room equipped with microfilm reader/printers, InfoTrac terminals/printers and upgraded entrances, elevators and bathrooms which will meet the current handicapped requirements.

Additionally, the seating will be increased by 20 percent to accommodate 125 people, Tassios said.

The renovation will also open an unused storage room for a used bookstore, run by the Friends of the Library.

Tassios said this will allow them to conduct book sales year-around. The facelift will also extend to the exterior.

The main entry will be relocated to the south side of the building and the Lemon Drive entry will become an emergency exit.

The parking lot will be expanded to accommodate 81 cars, Tassios added, with two spaces for the handicapped.

The old rose garden will be removed and a new one, with a fountain and benches will be built, Tassios said.

The construction is scheduled to begin in early 1990 with the grand reopening set for 1991.

The library will close for about one month at the beginning of the construction and reopen in a temporary modular building located in the lower parking lot.

However, Tassios cautioned, the library's operations will be on a scaled-down level during construction.

The cost of renovation is expected to be about $2 million, according to Tassios.