EAST LANSING, Mich. — The East Lansing Public Library (ELPL), 950 Abbot Road, will reopen to the public on Monday, Jan. 11 following a month-long closure to prepare the building for an eight- to nine-month renovation project.
When the library reopens next Monday, the first phase of the renovation project will be underway and a third of the floor space and approximately half of ELPL’s collection will be accessible to patrons. There will also be a limited number of public computers.
ELPL’s interior renovation is the result of a generous $1.5 million anonymous donation from a library patron. At completion, the library will be transformed into a new-and-improved community hub and learning space featuring a reconfigured floor plan, enhanced spaces, a cyber café and much more. The renovation project is slated to be completed by the end of August or early September 2016.
“We appreciate our patrons’ continued patience as the renovation project continues,” said ELPL Director Kristin Shelley. “We are excited to reopen next week after closing our doors for a month and are even more excited for the completion of the renovation later this year.”
ELPL’s 2.0 Maker Studio, 300 M.A.C. Ave., will continue to house a small collection and a limited number of public computers throughout the remainder of the project. There will also be a small collection at the East Lansing Department of Public Works. BabyTime, ToddlerTime and StoryTime programs will continue to be hosted at All Saints Episcopal Church throughout the duration of the project, as well as the Teen After School program.
Throughout the duration of the project, the Friends of the East Lansing Public Library will not be able to accept book/collection donations due to a lack of storage space. Community members are encouraged to donate their books and collection items to neighboring libraries and other organizations. The Friends will resume collecting items in earnest once ELPL is fully renovated.
Community members with questions about the project and/or library programming can call ELPL at (517) 351-2420. Learn more about the project and how to donate to the library’s Capital Campaign for additional renovations at http://elpl.org/renovate.