Sanibel Public Library will reopen at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, August 1. Patrons will have access to the full collection of books, movies, and newspapers, as well as high speed WiFi and public use computers. Renovation will continue in parts of the building for the next six to eight weeks, while the Library is open, operating on normal summer hours.
Showtime for Kids – 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31 – has been moved to the Sanibel Community House, (2174 Periwinkle Way). VIP Teen night is cancelled.
Due to popular demand, CD audiobooks and large print books are shelved separately in the new space. Some of the music collection and some archives are still in storage. The entrance on the west side of the building will continue to be the only entry as renovations continue on the east side.
Children participating in the Summer Reading program can continue to logs hours until August 4. Children can turn in their summer reading logs and claim “earned” books until Saturday, August 11. The Summer Reading Program is funded in part by a grant from the Sanibel Public Library Foundation’s Joan Hunt Cory Children’s Fund.
“Library staff is grateful that the community has been so understanding for the past few weeks. We are happy to be open, although there will be ongoing renovation and furniture deliveries,” said Library Executive Director Margaret Mohundro.
There will not be overdue fines assessed for materials returned late due to the closure. The book drop is located outside of the west side of building to allow patrons to return DVDs, magazines, books, and any other library material after hours. The Library’s eShelf, for eBooks and downloadable audiobooks, movies, music, and magazines is available even when the Library is closed.
Meeting space is still under renovation, the Library is not booking rooms or events at this time. A celebration of the reopening of the Library will be planned for the fall.
Planning for “Your Library Reimagined” renovation project started more than three years ago, when the Library Board and staff analyzed obsolete infrastructure. The renovation is overhauling the library’s 25-year-old mechanical, plumbing, fire suppression, and electrical systems. During the renovation, crews have tested and retested more than 5.166 miles of data cable. More than two miles of ductwork has been installed. The project has also “reimagined” the layout of the space to better serve community needs.
The improvements include larger windows to maximize the natural light and views; four new study rooms; two computer labs with fast internet; and an enhanced Teen Space. There will also be a new Archives Room with digitization capabilities for easier scanning of photos. Most of the updates are behind the scenes, with installation of more efficient infrastructure which will lower operating costs.
For more information about the Sanibel Public Library’s “Reimagined” project, click here: Your Library Reimagined.
Library Hours, June, July, August:
Monday 9 AM – 8 PM
Tuesday 9 AM – 5 PM
Wednesday 9 AM – 5 PM
Thursday 9 AM – 8 PM
Friday 9 AM – 5 PM
Saturday 9 AM – 1 PM
Sunday – CLOSED
