On Thursday, July 25, Guernsey Memorial Library held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the new Teen Mezzanine. Chenango County resident Cheyenne Aikins won the opportunity to cut the ribbon by guessing the project's completion date, with her guess just one day off from the project's actual completion. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — The Guernsey Memorial Library, located at 3 Court Street in Norwich, revealed their newly-completed Teen Mezzanine on Thursday.

The area was formerly the upper level of the nonfiction stacks, which Guernsey Library Executive Director Connie Dalrymple said was one of the least-utilized sections of the library.

"Nonfiction is one of the least-circulated portions of the library collection, and we decided to consolidate it on the lower floor so we could take better advantage of the beautiful view out the front windows on the upper floor," she said.

The section's built-in shelving was removed; new flooring was installed; safety improvements were added to the stairs, railings, and elevator; and the elevator was converted to an on-demand system, rather than needing a key to access it.

To create a welcoming space for young adults, Dalrymple said they brought in a large table where students can study together, a space with gaming consoles and comfortable seating was set up for teens to hang out, and the young adult book collection will be moved into the Teen Mezzanine as soon as shelving arrives, which Dalrymple said should be around mid-August.