ERLANGER — The last person to check out a book from Kentucky's busiest branch library hopes to be first in line when the Kenton County Public Library system opens its $7 million Erlanger facility Oct. 13.

        “I asked them what time the doors were going to open,” said avid reader Billie Burkart.

IF YOU GO

What: Grand opening of the Erlanger branch of the Kenton County Public Library. Activities include a flag-raising, remarks by local and state officials, refreshments, musical entertainment, balloon animals, face-painting and free child ID cards.    When: 2 p.m. Oct. 13. The Erlanger library will close at 5 p.m. that day. Starting Oct. 20, the Erlanger branch will convert to its permanent Sunday hours: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.    Where: Corner of Hulbert Avenue, Riggs Road and Kenton Lands Road, less than a mile from the current Erlanger branch.    How to get there: For directions to the new library, visit the Kenton County Public Library Web site at www.kenton.lib.ky.us. Because of the expected crowd for the grand opening, free shuttles will run from the Silverlake Recreation Center and the Kenton County Board of Education parking lots. TANK will provide a free shuttle from the Park and Ride lot on Buttermilk Pike. Shuttles will run from 1:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

        On Saturday, the 72-year-old Villa Hills resident checked out The Prayers of Jesus just minutes before the Erlanger branch library on Dixie Highway closed its doors to the public for the last time. The building that's served Kenton County readers since 1978 will be replaced by a sprawling, one-story brick building capped by a 37-foot clock tower. At 34,249 square feet, the branch at 401 Kenton Lands Road will be more than double the size of the old one.

        As landscaping crews planted shrubbery and trees outside the new branch library Tuesday, movers began unloading and shelving books.

        The new branch will house 130,000 books, CDs, videos, newspapers, magazines and other materials, as well as a community meeting room that can seat up to 220 — twice the capacity of the old one. Thursday, the library, which previously had to rotate some materials because of lack of space, will accept delivery of 16,000 new books.

        “I think it's going to be a real exciting change for us,” said clerk Martha McKinley, as she stood in the airy lobby of the new library.

        The new Erlanger branch library includes:

        A children's department with its own pint-sized entrance, a checkout desk featuring flags and small storybook buildings, and brightly colored themed areas for different age groups. The 6,400 square feet of space will hold up to 900 shelves of materials and an activity room with a heated floor for programs.

        A lab with 18 computers where residents can take free classes. When it's not in use, a retractable wall will open the lab to everyone. The library will have 68 computers available for public use, compared with the 25 at the old branch.

        A gated outdoor reading garden, complete with a fountain, landscaping, benches and more than 850 memorial bricks and granite pavers.

        A drive-through window and book drop that will enable library users to conduct quick transactions, such as paying fines or picking up materials on hold.

        The opening ceremony, 2 p.m. Oct. 13, will include remarks from State Librarian Jim Nelson, a flag-raising and singing of the national anthem by Kareem Simpson, a library employee and member of the National Guard.

        The library was partly funded with a $350,000 state construction grant, a bond issue, savings and donations.

        It was designed by Robert Ehmet Hayes of the architectural firm bearing his name, who built the old Erlanger branch building 24 years ago.

        “Our library board told him we didn't want a typical library building,” said Wayne Onkst, the library system's executive director. “We told him, "We want something special.”'

        E-mail cschroeder@enquirer.com

Judi shows grit, grace
Vine St. Kroger to get a face lift
Cuba has taste for Kentucky funnel cakes
Sabis school stays open, defying education officials
Threats could add extra day to school
Breast cancer numbers raise hope
Former Reading mayor's killer gets 81 years in prison
Haughty foes call the other naughty
Obituary: Arthur Laurens, boosted Commons efforts
Police seek robbery, rape suspect
School bond advice: Seek input
Sharonville officer still in hospital after crash
Tristate A.M. Report
Urinals among Cinergy memories
BRONSON: Lord's Gym
GUTIERREZ: Perspective Hillbillies can't go to Hollywood
HOWARD: Some Good News
KORTE: City Hall
SMITH AMOS: More than a touch-up
Ex-Harveysburg official sentenced for welfare scam
Franklin schools prepares for strike
Homework Club is a hit with students
Leadership Warren Co. members announced
Investigators given name of source in Patton investigation
Bookmark your calendars: Library returns Oct. 13
Driver escapes police after chase
Heart-attack fighter at schools
Kentucky News Briefs
St. E's heart care tops -- again