Work began Monday on the $300,000 renovation project at Perry Public Library, which is expected to reopen in October.
Workers from Earlham-based Blue Ribbon Builders lost no time in tearing into the demolition phase of the project, including stripping the bathrooms of the porcelain amenities and preparing to remove and replace the circulation desk.
“We will be getting new carpet, new tile, existing bathroom updates, a new family bathroom, new water fountain with touchless bottle filler, new circulation desk and new east entrance for patrons,” said Mary Murphy, the Perry Public Library director since 2010.
The library staff remains at work during the construction project from their headquarters in the Carnegie Library Museum at 1123 Willis Ave., and virus-limited services continue. Librarians have daily access to books and other materials during breaks in construction, and no disruption of service is anticipated, but patrons can expect a 24-hour turnaround on requested retrievals.
Customers returning books will use the green city refuse container on the Second Street side of the Carnegie Library Museum. An aqua blue circular bin collects non-book materials for return. Curbside services also continue during library hours: Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Patrons may reserve computer time in 45-minute blocks inside the Carnegie Library Museum, but the building is closed to the general public.
For more information, call the library at 515-465-3569.
