We’re almost there! While construction is nearly complete, we still have shelving and furniture to arrive. Plus, we have a lot of books to move around to make everything ready for you! The library will be closed June 3 through June 15 for these final big changes. When we reopen on Monday, June 17, both floors will be open, with all collections available to browse. We can’t wait for you to see the whole space! Summer Reading and our summer events will also begin on June 17. Consider June 17 our soft opening—some final details and finishes will be added over the next few months, and we'll hold a Grand Opening in the fall. |
Some of the barriers on the 2nd floor are down, although the stairway will remain blocked off until we rejoin the two main floors into a fully-open library again. Believe us, we're just as anxious for that day as you! The work is actually a bit ahead of schedule. The primary obstacle we're facing right now is the delays in delivery of construction materials, shelving, and furniture. Once those things arrive, we'll be down to the punch list. The Green County Genealogical Society was able to move back into their quarters on the lower level this past week. They're glad to be home, but it will take them a while to get oriented and unpacked. We're sure they are as eager to welcome the public to their new space as we are. When the construction is essentially done, we will close for a week to get everything back into place so the team can get their bearings one again. There will be a lot of moving and rewiring to be done at that time. Punch list work will continue for a few weeks after reopening. We want to thank all of our patrons and donors for their patience during this time. We're almost there! We're really getting close now! So much has been happening on the first floor! There's been electric work, wall texturing, glass installation, concrete sanding, painting, and more. The staircase is looking nearly finished, with the colorful decorative barrier soon to come. This week has seen the construction of the new Checkout Desk, and carpeting and glass installation in the new areas of the second floor.
The elevator has been having a hard time keeping up with increased traffic, and we had a few days where computers were out of order all over the system. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our patrons as we deal with these additional ups and downs (pun intended) beyond the upheaval of the construction project. It's been a true group effort, and we can't wait to show off the results.
The library is open! While work continues on the first floor and central area, we are providing services on the second floor only. A protective wall wraps around the center of the space, separating the library from the construction that's still happening. Our new teen room is providing space and computers for patrons of all ages, and we've moved fixtures and retasked shelving in order to provide a selection of adult fiction and first floor materials for checkout. It's been a fun week, seeing regular patrons and showing people around the space to see what they can expect for the next several weeks as the project finishes up.
On the first floor, bathrooms are being gutted, and the lobby and vestibule are taking on a new shape. The Checkout Desk has been removed, waiting for a new piece of furniture. On the second floor, concrete has already been poured to create the new square footage, and a new staircase has been put in place. Our team has been fantastic, always game to move shelving, furniture, and books, plus being so flexible in providing service in new ways. We are still enjoying working with McKee, who have been wonderful partners in this project.
We're giving everyone a heads up that the library will likely be closed Monday, March 4 through Saturday, March 16. The construction crew will replace the central staircase at this time, which will mean cutting the retiring staircase into small sections in order to remove it. Also, a crew will be installing steel support beams to expand the second floor. This work will create an incredibly loud and potentially dangerous environment for our patrons, thus the closure. Also during this time, the library team will prepare for providing service on the second floor. After this closure, the library will be open on the second floor only. Patrons will enter from a side door and use the elevator. We will have more details for you soon about curbside and other services during the closure, as well as visiting the library when we reopen. Thanks for your patience, and stay tuned!
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Monroe Public Library RenovationVisit this blog for mostly-weekly updates on the building project. Archives
May 2024
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