Burnsville Library to close for yearlong renovation; county outlines continuity plans

Chad Lubbers, manager of Dakota County’s Burnsville Library, told the Burnsville City Council that the Burnsville library will close for roughly 12 months beginning in March for a planned renovation and is expected to reopen in March 2027. "We are gonna be closing for 12 months. We are gonna be reopening, hopefully, in March of 20 27," Lubbers said.

The library presentation outlined why the work is happening and what services will continue. Lubbers said the facility saw strong usage in the past year — just over 500,000 items checked out, more than 230,000 visits, nearly 17,000 residents using library meeting space and about 7,200 residents using private study rooms. He also said expanded self‑service hours (6 a.m. to 11 p.m., 365 days a year) drew about 500 new after‑hours cardholders and just under 11,000 visits during those non‑staffed hours.

The nut graf: The planned 12‑month closure is intended to address deferred mechanical and facility work and to reconfigure space for children’s areas, quiet study and meeting rooms; library staff described plans to preserve core services during construction and to expand off‑site programming and pick‑up options.

Lubbers said the county will draft a service‑continuity plan and expects staff to be reassigned to nearby libraries in Eagan, Apple Valley and possibly Lakeville to handle increased traffic. He told the council the library will continue participating in community events, may host story times with community partners and could arrange a temporary reservation/pickup site for circulated materials. "We are still gonna be participating in all of the city events and activities that we can," Lubbers said.

Council members asked about the length of closure and service impacts. Council Member Keeley called the length of the shutdown "a little unusual," and Lubbers explained that some deferred mechanical work from an earlier remodel — and more comprehensive upgrades now needed — contributed to the schedule. Lubbers said the county’s average remodel closure runs nine to 12 months.

The council confirmed that DMV services housed in the facility will remain open throughout the renovation; Lubbers noted staff and county planners are coordinating the parking and construction logistics so DMV operations can continue.

Lubbers also described outreach programs and services that will continue or be adapted during the closure: monthly deliveries to four senior residences, a books‑by‑mail service for residents unable to visit in person, rotating play kits for children, and an artist‑in‑residence program that reached multiple county libraries. He cited examples of groups using meeting rooms during after‑hours access, including local cultural dance groups.

Ending: Lubbers invited residents to an open house showing preliminary renovation plans and seeking feedback. "Anybody here today is welcome to attend our open house to give their feedback to the first view of what is gonna be the first iteration of the 4 plans we're hoping to roll out here," he said. The council did not take formal action on the renovation during the meeting; Lubbers indicated further planning and community outreach would precede construction.