The library will be closed for a short, planned repair period this fall while crews replace failing bricks at the main entrance, install a new ADA-compliant ramp and complete interior upgrades, the library director told the Library Board. The director said, “the repairs will take probably about a month, and we will be closed for only the first week of that.”

The closure is timed for early September because the director said September is typically one of the library’s slowest months as patrons return to school. The director listed interior work scheduled during the closure: new projector and meeting-room AV from Lewis Audio Video, installation of taller shelving panels for the Carnegie Room purchased with Library Friends funds, carpet replacement (the director said the remaining carpet work is planned for Monday, September 8) and professional painting for high areas staff cannot reach.

The project also includes moving the public service desk to the north doors, which face the cultural center, because the front doors that will be used during construction are not wheelchair-accessible and must remain propped open. The director said the new desk will let staff monitor the open doors and help ensure patron safety during the temporary configuration.

Board members and staff discussed exterior bricks donated by patrons. The director said many bricks are worn and difficult to read and that staff will “save the ones we can that have people’s names on them” and determine how to preserve donor recognition. The board did not take a formal vote on brick retention; the director said staff will follow up on options.

The board heard that Will (project lead) is coordinating the repairs with Brian Kershaw from the city, whom the director described as “great to work with.” The director also said repaving that would affect bricks in the street is tied to a separate repaving schedule next year and will not be done during this work.

The director asked for volunteers to help with moving and finishing some tasks after the closure; she said George Fox students and other volunteers are expected to assist the week after the closure. The board did not adopt any new policy or budget amendment at the meeting; members were asked to note the timeline and the staffing plans related to the temporary closure.

Less critical details: staff repainted several interior areas, renovated children’s shelving, and reorganized the Spanish-language collection. The director noted some interior work might be deferred if the full priority list cannot be completed during the initial closure week.