BLOOMINGTON - Space in the Bloomington Public Library that used to be a meeting room for the board of trustees is now a story room in the children's section.

As one part of the library's $3 million renovation, the room's light blue walls have been changed to a brighter shade of beige and trimmed with several panels painted in primary colors.

The public will get a chance to see the new story room and many other changes to the library at an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. The second floor of the library and services offered there, including computer access, will not be available Sunday until after the brief opening ceremony concludes.

The library's collection of framed artwork, including black and white sketches by Mary Cassatt, that once hung in the board room has been replaced with a collection of colorful stuffed toys ranging from Elmo to The Cat in the Hat.

"We wanted to be better able to serve the community and to offer the type of programming there seemed to be a greater demand for," said Georgia Bouda, library director. "There has been an emphasis on the children's area, including having the story room, because the community wants more children's programming."

Meanwhile, the Cassatt artwork and the board room have been moved to a smaller section of the library on the first floor.

A year ago, an open house was planned for December 2006. The renovation is being finished ahead of schedule, however.

Felmley Dickerson Co., the general contractor for the renovation, added 7,500 square feet and realigned about 4,000 square feet of underused space.

"It is so different," said Board President Carol Koos during a tour of the building last week. "I've seen the plans for this 100 times or more, but it's hard to envision how it will look until it's finished."

The changes to the library have been discussed by the board for more than eight years. In that time, Koos said, surveys were done to get a better idea of what programs the community is interested in so the library could better expand to meet the community's needs.

This is the first major renovation to the library, which was built at 205 E. Olive St. more than 30 years ago.

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Library debut

What: Community open house for newly renovated Bloomington Public Library

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday

Where: Bloomington Public Library, 205 E. Olive St.

Highlights: Free family entertainment, including clowns, magicians and storytellers; ribbon cutting; and presentations by Bloomington Library Board President Carol Koos, Golden Prairie District Library President Carol Carey-Odekirk, former Mayor Judy Markowitz and Mayor Steve Stockton.

How to help: There will be an opportunity to purchase a children's book ($10) or adult book ($20) for the library's collection. Those purchasing bookplates also will receive a special, limited-edition library mug.