STAMFORD -- The bookstore at the Ferguson Library in Stamford is currently getting an overhaul and has been moved across the lobby while its usual space next to the Starbucks is getting new paint, carpeting, book stacks and furniture.

According to Ernie DiMattia, president of the library, the bookstore's makeover is part of a five-phase renovation for the whole library that has been going on for 14 months and is expected to continue until the spring. He said the revamped bookstore should be done in six or seven weeks.

Cynthia Grohoski, the bookstore's manager, said that the shop was moved across the hall in mid-September. The store has about 10,000 books in its inventory at the main library and is operated by about 100 volunteers.

"The move was accomplished inside of two days," Grohoski said.

"The bookstore had to be moved out of that space, but we needed to keep them in operation," DiMattia said. "It's difficult to throw away a book. The store is a place for people in the city to dispose of their books so they can be reused for other people to enjoy -- many of the books are in new condition. The bookstore is important to the downtown and was recognized as Retailer of the Year ... three or four years ago" by the Downtown Special Services District.

The bookstore is run by the Friends of Ferguson Library and has been in operation for about 20 years, Grohoski said. She said the store's collection runs the gamut from children's books to

biographies and more. Books are typically priced from 50 cents to $5. Specialty books, such as current best-sellers, art books and signed books, cost from $6 to $10. The store also sells CDs and DVDs.

"We appreciate that the customers are very loyal to us. We'd like to encourage people to come to the bookstore at either the main library or the Harry Bennett branch because all of the revenue goes toward library programming," Grohoski said.

DiMattia echoed that sentiment.

"We spend almost $100,000 a year on library programs, and the Friends bookstore is the sponsor of our library programing," he said.