We’re building the future! The library is transforming the library’s interior by adding spaces for learning, collaborating, and experimenting; increasing our connectivity; providing private space for small groups; creating new spaces for research and study; increasing our public computing and technology resources; renewing our furniture, shelving, and carpeting; and more.
Highlights include:
- A Makerspace for kids and teens where young people can tinker, design, craft, create, and explore
- An expanded BabyTalk area with new activity tables, a puppet theatre, and early literacy stations, providing stimulation for growing minds
- A larger teen area with meeting and lounge tables
- Private and enclosed study rooms/meeting rooms for small groups, equipped with video/computing equipment, electrical outlets, and data drops
- An enlarged public computer lab
- New Indiana Room for genealogy and local history research
- New furniture and tables with built-in electrical and USB outlets
- New public service desks
- Redesigned main entryway
- New carpeting, shelving, and display spaces
Renovation Schedule
The renovation will take place over three phases between 2018-2021.
Phase 1, covering Youth Services, Audio-Visual, and Periodicals, was conducted from February-August 2018.
Phase 2, covering the Reference Department, Computer Lab, and Indiana Room (Local History and Genealogy), was conducted from September 2019-February 2020.
Phase 3, covering the Circulation Department (front desk), lobby, technical services, and main entrance, will take place in 2021.
Find out more about the phases of construction here.
Cost & Funding
The renovation is expected to cost $1.6 million. 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.
Project Architect:
Product Architecture + Design
Phase One of the Renovation is Now Complete!
New Shelving for Magazines, DVDs, CDs, Playaways, and Newspapers
New Floorplan
Renovation Plan
Where? Youth Services, Audio-Visual Materials, and Periodicals
When? Construction began in March 2018 and concluded in August 2018. The Youth Services department re-opened following Labor Day weekend.
What’s happening? Remodeling included:
- The creation of a Makerspace for kids and teens
- An expanded BabyTalk area with a puppet theatre, activity tables, new furniture, and new AWE stations
- An expanded Teen area with meeting and lounge tables, new colorful seating, and new shelving
- New lobby furniture
- Electrical and data drops
- New carpeting in Youth Services and the east lobby
- New shelving for periodicals and newspapers
- New AV shelving
Construction Details
Phase Two of the library renovation project began September 3, 2019. This phase included the creation of small group study rooms, a small conference room, an expanded public computer lab with new equipment, a renovated Indiana Room, a refreshed Learning Center, new lounge seating and tables with data and electrical drops, new end panels, and new carpeting.
The Reference area, computer lab, Indiana Room, and Learning Center opened on Monday, February 10. The small group study rooms and conference room opened on Monday, February 17. New end caps were installed throughout the main stacks in August 2020.
Phase 3
Where? The Circulation Desk (front desk), Front Lobby, and Main Entrance.
When? Construction took place in the spring and summer of 2021.
What’s happening?
This project included the following improvements:
- New front entrance and vestibule, both with nighttime lighting
- New canopy, with lighting, over the front entrance
- New Circulation Desk and Circulation staff offices
- New shelving and seating for the front lobby
- Carpeting, electrical, security and data updates
MICHIGAN CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY LIGHTING REPLACEMENT PROJECT
In July 2022, the library began a project to replace all the overhead lighting in the building, changing them to LED fixtures. The project was completed in late 2022. The new fixtures feature automatic ambient lighting, centralized controls for turning on and off, and conservation of lighting in unoccupied public areas. A section above the front entrance has specialized color lighting for seasonal themes. The new fixtures are both energy efficient and aesthetically complimentary to the building while providing warmer lighting for users.
The interior heaters around the courtyard area were replaced in the spring/summer of 2023. The heating replacement project is now complete, construction plastic is removed, and the courtyard is available for use. Thank you for your patience throughout the project!
Front Entrance is Now Open
August 13, 2021 – The front entrance is now open! Please enter the library through the front doors. The temporary side entrance has been closed.
Circulation Area and Public Seating to Re-Open
July 2, 2021 – We are excited to announce that the Circulation and front lobby area will re-open to the public on Thursday, July 8! The new material displays will be relocated to their permanent location in the front lobby.
Tables, chairs, and other seating will also be available for patrons by Friday, July 9.
The front entry door and vestibule will remain closed until the automatic doors are installed. The date for opening the front door will be announced once it is finalized. Please continue to use the temporary public entrance located on the east side of the library, accessible from the parking lot near the drive-up book drop.
We greatly appreciate our patrons’ patience throughout the construction process, and are thrilled to welcome the community back into this newly-renovated space.
Phase 3 of Renovation Begins March 1, 2021
- Phase 3 of the library’s remodeling will begin Monday, March 1, 2021 and is expected to conclude by mid-June, 2021 (the completion date is subject to change). This project includes the following improvements:
- New front entrance and vestibule, both with nighttime lighting
- New canopy, with lighting, over the front entrance
- New Circulation Desk and Circulation staff offices
- New shelving and seating for the front lobby
- Carpeting, electrical, security and data updates
During this phase, the following temporary arrangements will be in place:
- The front plaza will be fenced off and closed to the public
- The front entrance and inside lobby area will be closed
- The public will be directed to access the building through the east-side doors, located near the drive-up book drop
- Patrons are asked to park in the northern portion of the parking lot, where it is more convenient to access the library
- Patrons will be directed through the Meeting Room and into the main library where a temporary Circulation Desk will be set up
- As many as possible of the regular services now available at the Circulation Desk will be available
- The public bathrooms will be open
- New materials will be located in the north lobby area, between the courtyard and main collection, opposite the temporary Circulation Desk
- All other current services and departments will be available and open but Covid-19 restrictions will be enforced
The library will make every effort to remain open during this project but reserves the right to close the building, if needed. Thank you for your patience.
End Caps Installed
August 2020 – New end caps have been installed throughout the adult fiction and non-fiction stacks, as part of Phase 2 of our renovation project:
Small Group Study Rooms to Open on Monday, February 17
February 12, 2020 – Our study rooms will open this Monday, February 17! Please sign up at the Reference Desk to use a room. There is a two-hour limit per day (10 hours per week). We are not taking advance reservations at this time. See all study room-related policies at https://www.mclib.org/
Reference Area, Computer Lab, Indiana Room, and Learning Center Re-Open as Renovation Enters Final Stages
February 8, 2020 – Phase 2 of the library renovation project is nearly complete! The Reference area, computer lab, Indiana Room, and Learning Center will open on Monday, February 10. The small group study rooms and conference room will open following set-up, within the next two weeks.
Reference Desk and Computer Lab Relocated to East Lobby/Paperback Area
December 20, 2019 – We’re preparing for carpet installation in the Meeting Room. The Reference Desk and temporary computer lab are now located outside of the Meeting Room doors, in the east lobby/paperback area.
Tutoring Program (The Learning Center) Temporarily on Hold
November 25, 2019 – The library’s tutoring program is temporarily on hold due to construction in the Learning Center area. The tutoring service will return in early 2020. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Library Meeting Room Unavailable for Reservation in December
November 21, 2019 – Due to construction, the meeting room is unavailable for reservation. It will reopen in early 2020.
Adult and AV Stacks Are Now Open
October 7, 2019 – The carpeting has been completed in the adult stacks and AV areas. The adult fiction, non-fiction, audio/video, and newspaper areas are now open! Phase 2 of the library renovation project continues in the Reference area. There will continue to be no access to the Indiana Room and Genealogy. A temporary computer lab and Reference help is available in the meeting room during construction.
Adult Fiction, Non-Fiction, and AV to Open Ahead of Schedule
October 1, 2019 – GOOD NEWS! Renovation progress is moving along ahead of schedule. We will now open the stacks one week earlier than planned on Monday, October 7. This means adult fiction, non-fiction, and audio-visual materials will be available. There will continue to be NO access to the Indiana Room and Genealogy, as construction continues in the Reference Area. (Space permitting we may be able to provide access to a few magazine titles.)
Carpet Installation in Front Lobby Complete
September 21, 2019 – The carpet installation in the front lobby is complete. Thank you to everyone for your patience!
Library Closed Thursday & Friday, Sept. 19 & 20, for Renovation
Michigan City Public Library will be closed on Thursday and Friday, September 19 and 20, for carpet installation in the front lobby. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your patience as our renovation moves forward.
You can download or stream eBooks or eAudiobooks from the library’s Axis 360 digital library or through the free Axis 360 app (available in the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon App Store). Online journal articles, magazine articles, and reference materials are available 24/7 through our databases at https://www.mclib.org/books-movies-more/articles-databases/.
Library Closed on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 9 & 10, for Renovation
September 3, 2019 – The second phase of renovation has begun. The library will be closed on Monday, Sept. 9, and Tuesday, Sept. 10, for work in the front lobby and entryway.
The reference desk and computer lab have been relocated temporarily to the Meeting Room. Adult fiction, non-fiction, reference, AV, and Indiana Room stacks are closed. The Youth Services area is open, and patrons of all ages are welcome to use the lounge furniture and tables in that area. Some new adult fiction/nonfiction books are available in Youth Services.Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Phase 2 of Library Renovation Begins Fall 2019
Phase 2 of the library renovation project begins September 3! This phase will include the creation of small group study rooms, a small conference room, an expanded public computer lab with new equipment, a renovated Indiana Room, a refreshed Learning Center, new lounge seating and tables with data and electrical drops, new end panels, and new carpeting.
During construction, many services for adults will be limited. From September 3 through mid-October, adult audio-visual materials (DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, and Playaways), fiction, non-fiction, magazines, and reference materials will not be available. All items checked out before September 3 will have a due date of October 14.
You can continue to check out eBooks and eAudiobooks through our free Axis 360 service or through the Axis 360 app on your mobile device.
The reference desk and a limited number of computer stations will be relocated temporarily to the Meeting Room.
Tutoring/literacy, interlibrary loan, Homebound Services, proctoring, and the resume/job application program will be temporarily unavailable during the first stage of construction. Some services may return as construction progresses. Please check back for more details.
The library building may close for a short period of time while carpeting is completed in the front lobby. Please consult the library’s website/social media for closure information.
The Indiana Room, microfilm, and genealogy/local history collections will be unavailable until construction is concluded. Our genealogy databases will be available via library Wi-Fi. Please feel free to explore our online resources for genealogy/local history at https://www.mclib.org/explore-topics/genealogy/ and https://www.mclib.org/explore-topics/local-history/
We thank you for your patience and understanding!
Youth Services Renovation Complete
September 4, 2018 – The Youth Services renovation is complete! The Youth Services area and children/teen materials are now available.
Youth Collections Unavailable During Week Beginning Monday, August 27
August 23, 2018 – The Youth Services renovation is almost complete! Opening day is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 4.
The Youth Services area will remain off-limits as materials are being moved. Beginning on Monday, August 27, all Youth Services collections, including books and AV materials, will be unavailable to the public. Areas of the adult stacks/shelves may be closed.
Thank you for your patience as we complete the transformation of the Youth Services area.
Youth Services Renovation Schedule Update
The Youth Services renovation is expected to be completed by Labor Day. The section will remain closed until after the Labor Day holiday. Children’s and teen materials will remain available in the center and north ends of the library until construction is complete.
Library Opening at Noon Tuesday, May 8 & Wednesday, May 9
Due to construction, the library will open at noon on Tuesday, May 8 & Wednesday, May 9. The Wednesday morning Story Time on May 9 is canceled.
Youth Services Construction Begins April 25
Our renovation project is moving forward! Construction will begin in the Youth Services area on Wednesday, April 25. For safety reasons, the construction zone will be strictly off limits. The Youth Services materials have been relocated to the center and north end of the library. We will make every effort to keep noise to a minimum, but some additional noise is expected during construction. We appreciate your patience and understanding. The Youth Services renovation is expected to be completed by July 31.
Youth Services and Adult Stacks Update
March 28, 2018 – A section of the Youth Services area is open again and includes the computers, puzzles, and seating. Most of the children’s and teen materials have been relocated to the areas around the adult stacks, next to the courtyard (in the former magazine area) and the north wall. Please ask us if you need any help locating materials! The adult fiction and non-fiction stacks are now open, along with the microfilm area. Thank you again for your understanding during construction.
Adult Stacks (Fiction & Non-Fiction Shelves) Update
March, 26, 2018 – The adult fiction and nonfiction shelving is being shifted over to make room for future seating and meeting space. Beginning Monday, March 26 and continuing through Friday, March 30, portions of the adult fiction and non-fiction shelves/stacks will be inaccessible. There will also be some additional noise as shelves are disassembled and moved.
Youth Services Construction Update
March 20, 2018 – The juvenile audiobooks and Playaways have been relocated temporarily to the end of the adult audiobook area. They will be there for the duration of construction in the Youth Services area.
AV, Magazines, and Newspaper Area Construction Update
March 1, 2018 – The new shelving for A/V, magazines, and newspapers is complete. Audiobooks have been relocated to the DVD and music CD area. Magazines are now located in display boxes along the west wall of the library. All A/V materials have been reshelved in their permanent location.
“Michigan City Public Library Announces Remodel Plans”, WIMS Radio, January 16, 2018
“$1.6 Million Renovation Planned for MC Library”, Michigan City News-Dispatch, January 20, 2018
“Michigan City Public Library Expanding”, WSBT, January 22, 2018
“Preparing Kids for the Future”, Michigan City News-Dispatch, September 26, 2018
“Good Bones” by William Halliar, The Beacher, February 27, 2020