EAST LANSING, Mich. — The East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) will be closed to patrons Aug. 26-Sept. 30 to complete the renovation of the building’s interior and transition library materials back into the full library space.
During the closure, new furniture will be brought in, shelves will be rebuilt, library materials will be reshelved and all final work will be completed.
During the closure, items checked out will not be due and all digital resources will remain available to patrons. An external book drop will be available outside of the building for those patrons who do wish to return items. Additionally, library staff will use the building’s north foyer as a location for patrons to stop by for their hold pick-up items on weekdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. It should be noted that a few previously scheduled community events will take place at the library during its closure, including the One Book, One Community author’s event with Ben Rawlence on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. and a performance by David Roth and Reggie Harris on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.
“We appreciate our patrons’ ongoing patience as we work to complete this exciting project,” said ELPL Director Kristin Shelley. “We are looking forward to unveiling the completed improvements to our patrons this October.”
ELPL’s grand re-opening is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1. Grand re-opening events will include a brief program and ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon and family activities from noon-2 p.m.; including face painting, bubbles, balloon animals and more.
Background
An exciting renovation project began at ELPL in December 2015 thanks to a very generous donation of $1.5 million from a library patron. Improvements to the library will include a reconfiguration of the library floor plan to create more open space, an expansion of ELPL’s maker studio, the addition of a cyber café with vending machines, new mobile shelving/furniture, an enhanced children’s area, an expanded teen space, the addition of small group meeting spaces, new bathrooms and much more.