Lakewood Memorial Library Director Shannon Taylor, hands a stack of books to her daughter, Sophia, as her husband, Emric, stands ready to re-shelve them.

LAKEWOOD — When the Lakewood Memorial Library opened its doors to the public Wednesday, library patrons saw many changes from the time the library was forced to close in mid-March.

Director Shannon Taylor took advantage of the closure to re-configure and re-arrange the library’s holding so that patrons could more easily find their way around and have ready access to books, DVDs and magazines.

The process was a mighty undertaking by a small crew of workers. Taylor, assisted by her husband Emric and children Sophia and Tristan, and volunteer Sharon Witchey, moved a total of 20,000 books and shifted the position of all but seven of the library’s more than two dozen shelving units.

The most obvious result is more open spaces and more light from windows that were previously blocked by shelves. Patrons will also notice that books and DVDs are more intuitively arranged and easier to find.

Other changes were necessitated by COVID-related social distancing requirements. Much of the seating had to be removed and meeting rooms will be closed, at least for the near term. Computer access will be limited and available by signup only. The library will continue to offer its regular programs online, but not in the library itself. Curbside pickup of books will continue for those who prefer not to enter the building, where masks will be required.