ELPL to Close Once More Aug. 26 - Sept. 30 to Complete Renovations

Renovations to the East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) are coming to a close and officials are excited. But, patrons will have to be patient, as the library will be closed between August 26th and September 30th to put the final touches on the project.

During this closure, the library will be completing interior renovations as well as moving materials back into the library building. New furniture will be introduced to the space, shelves will be rebuilt, materials will be restocked and the renovation project will be completed.

While the library is temporarily closed, items checked out will not be due. For those who still wish to return their checked out items, there will be a book drop, external to the building. Staff will be available in the north foyer for those who wish to stop by for their hold pick-up items on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. and all digital resources will remain available.

Some previously scheduled community events will still be taking place at the library while it is closed, including the One Book, One Community author event with Ben Rawlence on Sept. 14th at 7 p.m. and a performance by David Roth and Reggie Harris on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

These renovations began in December 2015, thanks to a donation of $1.5 million from an anonymous library patron. The changes to the library include more open space, a new cyber café with vending machines, new mobile shelving and furniture, an improved children’s area, larger teen space, an expansion of ELPL’s Maker Studio, new small group meeting places, new bathrooms and more.

A grand reopening of the library will take place on Saturday, October 1st, which will feature a brief program, a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12 p.m. and family activities from 12 to 2 p.m. These activities will include bubbles, balloon animals, face painting and more.

ELPL Director Kristin Shelley and the library staff are very appreciative of their patrons’ patience throughout this “exciting project”. Shelley states, “We are looking forward to unveiling the completed improvements to our patrons this October.”