The Urbana Free Library’s first floor will undergo renovation soon that will require the floor’s closure next month.
A partial renovation to the first floor as well as Megan’s Room play area on the ground floor will necessitate closing the entire library on July 31 and Aug. 1. Construction on the first floor areas will begin on or around Aug. 1.
Though much of the first floor will be closed during construction, nearly all regular library services will be available. Services paused during construction include meeting room reservations and Friends of the Library book donations. Both services will resume once construction is completed.
Curbside pickup will be available July 31 and Aug. 1. During construction, the library will temporarily adjust its operating hours. Beginning Aug. 2, library hours will be Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
The purpose of this project is to modernize the space to improve the patron and staff experience. The first-floor portion of the renovation includes a redesigned Welcome Desk area and an updated materials processing area. It also includes new carpet, paint and furniture for the first floor, from the building’s Race Street doors to the start of the fiction stacks. On the ground floor, Megan’s Room will be remodeled, including an update to the levels, new carpet and fresh paint.
The library has partnered with design firm Engberg Anderson and construction firm Barber & DeAtley, Inc. Construction is made possible through support from the City of Urbana, the Urbana Free Library Foundation, the Friends of The Urbana Free Library and private donors.