The Michigan City Public Library is planning a $1.6 million, three-year remodel project that will add a Makerspace, new meeting room space and enhance computer availability. The first phase of the project will begin in February and should conclude by August. The cost of the remodel is spread over three years and paid for with saved and existing resources. No bond issue or capital project funds will be expended.
Phase I will begin in the Youth Services Department and include Audio-Visual and Periodical updates. The creation of a Makerspace located in the Youth Services is included in the first phase. The Makerspace is a STEAM-based collaborative work space for children and teens. Here they create DIY projects, invent new ones, work with electronics and robotics, and share ideas.
Youth Services will also get a new public service desk, improved shelving, an expanded BabyTalk area with activity tables, a puppet theater, and new fun and colorful chairs and tables. The teen area will have improved AV shelving, and meeting and lounge tables with electrical and data availability.
In addition to the refresh in the Youth Services area, there will be new audio visual and periodical displays, new lobby furniture and data and electrical enhancements.
Phase II of the project is scheduled for 2019. This phase includes the creation of private and enclosed study rooms with electrical and date enhancements and a private study room designed for up to 10 people with electrical and data updates. The Reference Department will get a new and expanded computer lab, a new public service desk, new staff offices, and a new Indiana Room for local history and genealogy.
Phase III will conclude the project in 2020. The Circulation Department will get a new public service counter, improved shelving in the lobby area, new furniture, and a redesigned main entrance. All areas of the library will be re-carpeted.
The architect on the project is Product Architecture + Design and the construction manager is Larson-Danielson Construction Company. During the construction some areas of the library will be closed and inaccessible to the public. The library plans to be open during the project. Consult the library’s website and social media for announcements of closed areas and collections.