The Urbana Free Library is getting a facelift. Beginning around Aug. 1, the first and ground floors will get new carpeting and paint, updates to Megan’s Reading Room in the Children’s Area and a redesigned Welcome Desk.
“In the 20 years since the Library’s 2005 expansion, the Library has been well-loved, and now the aging carpet, paint, and furniture are due for replacement,” read a statement posted to the Library website. “The purpose of this project is to modernize both spaces to improve both the patron and staff experience.”
Despite the scope of the renovations, the Library will only be closed July 31 and Aug. 1 to prepare for construction. The bulk of construction will take place outside of Library hours, with minimal changes to its typical schedule, allowing the Library to stay open. Beginning Aug. 2, Library operating hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
“The Library will be open during the construction — we still encourage people to come to use the Library services and come to programs,” said Lyndzie Taylor, Communications & Development Manager of The Urbana Free Library. “I would also encourage folks to take advantage of our curbside pickup service because that will be a great way for them to still get all of the things that they love if they are not able to get to the Library.”
For those who still want to use the Library during its closure, orders for curbside pickup can be placed through the Library’s website.
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The renovation’s updates will be taking place across both the historic and newer parts of the Library, aiming to refresh the interior, streamline services and increase accessibility. The Library has a lengthy history of renovations, and is composed of multiple escalating additions.
Although it was established in 1874, The Urbana Free Library opened its current building in 1918. The Library had moved between several different buildings before settling in its permanent home. After some complications with grants, Urbana resident Mary E. Busey stepped in and donated $35,000 to the Library’s construction in honor of her late husband, Samuel T. Busey, former mayor of Urbana. The Samuel T. Busey Memorial Library is now the historic base of The Urbana Free Library, with building additions following in 1975 and 2005.
More information on the renovation projects, as well as updates, can be found on The Urbana Free Library’s website, Facebook or Instagram page.
