Carmichael Library reflects a multitude of improvements in customer asked-for, on-site, and online services. Customers can enjoy a seamless and successful library experience, as defined by their own expectations. They can choose their own method of interaction–staff assisted, self-directed, or virtual.

Upon entering the library, customers encounter an airy, light-infused environment, enhanced by open ceilings and expanded windows. The large adult-reading area is punctuated with open shelving, comfortable seating, a living-room style reading area that fronts an expansive window that looks out to a patio with landscaping and a charming pergola. Elsewhere in the area, a tower window draws customers to other inspiring areas to read and work.

Teens@ gives teens their own special area, designed with them in mind. The space has diner-style booths, colorful, comfy “curl up and read” chairs, innovative computer tables, and a large plasma TV. Exciting teen programs are offered throughout the year.

Close by is a state-of-the-art, 24-station, computer center. The terminals provide access to the Internet, word processing, educational software, and the library’s online catalog and database resources. The space is designed to allow the Library to offer a variety of computer classes for customers of all ages.

The Kids’ Place features a colorful reading tower, light-filled, and acoustically-enhanced–perfect for story times. The space offers six computers, including two computers with early-literacy software and learning games for children (age 0-8). The interactive LeapPad and LeapBooks learning system helps children develop language, reading, and other critical skills, all through electronic books and special touch pens. Parents and caregivers, who bring their toddlers and preschoolers to the branch will have a cozy place to share stories in the Ready to Read section of Kids’ Place. The special space features kid-sized furniture, just right for the smallest customers.

Got a question? The Staff at the information desk have the answer. Not only that, library staff will be available, throughout the library, with electronic notebooks that connect to the online catalog and the Internet to assist customers wherever they are in the building. In addition, computers, with access to the online catalog, are located throughout the library for convenient use.

The handsome, new community meeting room provides a gathering space for groups as large as 111. The room is accessorized with a media projector, drop-down film projection screen, and kitchen. A smaller community room, accommodating up to 20, is also available.

The branch has books in world languages, including the special Persian Collection. The California Collection features literature about our state’s magnificent history. The Movies and Music section offers the latest DVDs and music compact discs for check-out.

Chico artist Sheri Simons has created two thought-provoking artworks as part of the Sacramento Metropolitan Art Commission’s Art in Public Places program. A stone piece, Moment, resembling stacked books, is displayed on the corner to ensure that passers-by know where the library is. Suspended from the ceiling of the Kids’ Place reading tower is the metal sculpture, Auto-graph.