When the Westover Public Library reopens in a few weeks, twice the number of people will be able to fit inside to find a book.

Since the library’s closing in June 2008, construction has doubled the amount of floor space available for use.

Library Director Annette Tyler said the extra space has been a long time coming, but she’s happy to have it.

“We doubled our floor space and everything looks so nice. We have new carpet put down and new lighting,” she said. “I’m very happy to have this extra space. I’ve waited a while for it.”

The library has also added new shelving, which are waiting to be piled full of the facility’s 4,300 books and various audio and video materials.

“There’s a lot of excitement. People are calling and asking when we’re going to open,” Tyler said. “They’re excited about it being available again and being able to come here instead of having to go to another library. We’re excited for them because we’ll have a larger collection of items for them to choose from.”

More books will be added after the library opens. Tyler also plans to purchase a new circulation desk as well as a table and chairs set for the new children’s section.

The library’s official reopening will be Sept. 29. In a departure from normal library hours, the reopening will be from 5-7 p.m.

“We’re going to have it in the evening so a lot of people can come who usually couldn’t come during the day,” Tyler said.

She said she’s most excited about seeing the citizens of Westover enjoy the extra space and new amenities.

“It’s taken me a couple weeks to get all the books and the shelves moved in. It’s just been a lot of work. It just takes time to get it all back in order,” she said. “But we’re almost there.”

Normal library hours will be Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more information on the Westover Public Library, contact Annette Tyler at 678-3375 ext. 703, or visit Westover’s Web site at Westoveralabama.org.