EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Eglin Community Library re-opened Aug. 27 after a $230,000 refresh project which began in March 2023. 

The library’s interior transformed to resemble a modern retail bookstore.

“Our library is more open, more modern and has a timeless flavor to it,” said Brig. Gen. Mark Maasaro, 96th Test Wing commander, at the re-opening ceremony.

The new design concept included replacing the Dewey decimal system with a new library book cataloging system called Semper FindIt, started by the Marine Corps in 2018, according to Tiffany Fidler, supervisory librarian. 

“Semper Findit organizes books into thematic categories, allowing users to navigate through layers of topics efficiently,” she said.

Among other new features, the library now has clear sightlines to bookshelves, lower shelving, more signage, and space for each age group.  Feedback led to installing more seating, more electronic device charging spaces, and lower tables in the study pods for easier entry and exit.

“We want our library to be not only welcoming, but easy to use,” she said.