MARS — Mars Public Library Director Caitlyn Boland took time out of maternity leave Thursday to oversee the installation of new furniture and additions to the library's busiest room — the kids' room.

With 2-month-old Wesley in a baby wrap, Boland walked through the library to ensure that the first phase was off to a good start.

Staff and moving crews brought in new desks, shelves and rugs, with more to come next week — including Kindle tablets and other additions. Renovations started in the children's room, she said, because it gets the most use, with furniture in need of replacement and new additions required to meet increased demand. Boland said the amount of traffic the room sees necessitated newer furniture that could better weather the use.

“We do get a lot of kids in here just to play,” Boland said.

She said the work was the first phase of a slate of improvement projects at the library. The room currently features offerings for all ages, including rows of bookshelves, a play area and computers.

Ultimately, the rest of the library will see similar improvements, including the addition of taller book shelves to expand the library's collection, a family restroom and some aesthetic improvements.

“If you have a nice-looking library, people are a little more likely to use it,” Boland said.

The renovations are funded through the library's “Raise the Roof” fundraising initiative, an ongoing project to help improve the library. Boland said those interested in getting involved or contributing should visit the library's website at marsarealibrary.org.