When asked about her job, Jennifer Johnson doesn't like to say she's a librarian. Instead, the branch manager of Kreutz Creek Library borrows a line from a friend, saying, "I'm in the business of transforming lives." She has a lot more room to do that now as the library has relocated to its new home at 66 Walnut Springs Road in Hellam.

The 8,800-square-foot building, which formerly housed the Hellam Township offices, is seven times bigger than the library's old space in a FEMA trailer, where the library had been located for 42 years.

Johnson, who took over as branch manager when Susan Nenstiel retired from the position in February, said Nenstiel's goal for the library can be seen throughout the space. "Susan wanted to create a sense of play throughout the library," Johnson explained. "We want people to come in, explore, imagine or dream. We want to help people make connections to resources, and in every area of this library, there's a space to do that."

The new library features a section full of fiction and nonfiction books for adults, with room to showcase new arrivals. For the first time, the building also has a dedicated teen space, complete with "powered furniture" - couches equipped with USB ports and outlets for charging devices. Six desktop computers provide internet access for adults and teens, while child-friendly computers for those age 12 and under are showcased as well. A large children's area includes books, toys, games and a puppet theater. An outdoor area will be put into use during the warmer months, and plans are in the works to add a pollinator garden and educational programming.

A community room provides space for story times or group meetings, and a conference room and study room are available to rent out for meetings, tutoring sessions and more. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, and modern restrooms feature family bathrooms with changing tables in both the men's and women's restrooms. More room has been added as well for staff offices and book storage for the Friends group's biannual book sales.

"There is so much potential here with this new space," Johnson said. "I feel like there is room to breathe for people and also for the books on the bookshelves. We have space to expand our collection."

While the library was making the move to its new space, a core group of people followed the progress, eager for the bigger library to open, Johnson said. She's excited to welcome those regulars into the library, and she's also looking forward to reaching even more people in the community, while maintaining the small-town feel of the old space.

"I want this to be a welcoming place," she said. "I want people to still walk in and feel like they're coming into someone's living room. It's just a much bigger living room now than it was before."

The library will hold grand-opening programming the week of Monday, April 11, through Saturday, April 16. For more information on the library, call 717-252-4080.