Library to Close for Renovations February 10 through February 19

Tompkins County Public Library Director Susan Currie has announced the tentative renovation schedule for phase one of the Library’s comprehensive facility upgrade.

Noting the importance of community access to the essential services provided by the Library, Currie said TCPL will be closed for ten days, from February 10 through February 19, to allow construction crews to expedite the completion of carpet replacement and public restroom renovations.

“Our library provides vital access to resources, services and programs for community members, which is why these upgrades are so important,” Currie said.  “While we had hoped to remain open during the construction process, we recognize that our patrons will be best served by the efficient completion of these renovations.”

While the building will be closed, access to many Library services and programs will be available remotely, including digital downloads of eBooks through the OverDrive Digital Download Service, Hoopla’s streaming video platform, TumbleBooks which offers animated, talking picture books, read-along chapter books and more for young readers, and Zinio, the world’s largest newsstand.

Plans are also in place for an off-site family storytime, a digital download training program and multiple sessions of the popular social media book chat, “Break for Books.” No library materials will be due during the closure and DVD borrowing limits will be doubled.

“We have taken every possible step to ensure that the renovation process runs seamlessly with limited service interruption for our patrons,” Currie said.

The first phase of the Library’s two-part renovation plan includes removing and replacing carpet throughout the building and upgrading and remodeling the public restrooms.

The project is being overseen by Tompkins County Facilities, with design services by QPK Design. Bouley Construction will serve as the project’s principal contractor.

Made possible through public support of the Tompkins County Public Library Foundation’s 21^st Century Library Campaign, a New York State Dormitory Authority Grant sponsored by Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, a New York State Public Library Construction Grant sponsored by the Finger Lakes Library System, and County maintenance funds, the second phase of Library renovations will include the construction of a digital learning lab, a teen center and additional public meeting space.

The entire project is scheduled to be complete later this spring.

For more information about the closure or upcoming renovations, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at cwheeler@tcpl.org or (607) 275-1548.