Dearborn Library Closing For Renovations: What To Know

DEARBORN, MI — The Henry Ford Centennial Library (HFCL) is closing down for some big updates, city officials announced this month. The library will be closed to the public from Monday, May 20 through the fall for a major renovation project.

In order to serve residents during the closure, library hours at both the Bryant Branch Library and the Esper Branch Library will be extended beginning Saturday, June 1. The extended branch hours will be Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

It is preferred that library material be returned to the Bryant or Esper Branch libraries but the exterior drop box at HFCL will be open, city officials say.

"The city regrets the temporarily closure of HFCL, but the renovations are extensive and will result in an improved experience for all library patrons," officials said in the announcement.

What's being renovated

The project includes the following upgrades:

• the installation of a new energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC),
• the replacement of existing lights with energy-efficient lighting
• the renovation of the second floor restrooms
• the renovation of the east side of the mezzanine, which will include a conference room, several group study rooms, a makerspace, a computer lab, a digitization lab and four single-person study booths
• the reorganization of the second floor layout
• the installation of additional electrical outlets
• the replacement of the wallpaper
• and the creation of a first floor snack lounge with vending machines.

Funds to support the HVAC renovation and replacement of existing lighting were made available through a bond sale, city officials explained Library Capitol Improvement project money will support all additional improvements.

More public computers coming to Bryant Branch Library

During June, July and August, while HFCL is closed for renovations, public computer access will be available in the Chamber of Commerce conference room located on the first floor of the Bryant Branch Library. Library staff will provide full-service computing and printing access.
The digitization lab (D-Lab) will operate out of the Esper Branch Library beginning June 3.

MeLCat

Bryant Branch Library will become the new temporary pickup and drop off location for MeLCat material for the duration of the HFCL renovation project, although new MeLCat requests will be briefly suspended through June 3.

As a reminder, MeLCat material must be returned to the Circulation Desk at Bryant and not the drop box.

Check the library website regularly at dearbornlibrary.org for further updates about the renovation, as well as programming information.