Main Library Renovation

October 14, 2016
Community Update

The Main Library will close November 11th so contractors can continue renovations. As soon as Main closes, the water, heat, and power will be turned off, plumbing and sewer system connections will be replaced, and trenches will be dug around the outside of the building to repair foundation waterproofing. The library will reopen in phases over the course of the next year.

While the Main Library is closed, free shuttle service to other libraries will be provided. The vans will run between the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) bus stop at 25th and Jefferson Avenue to the front doors of both the Pleasant Valley Branch in Washington Terrace, and the Southwest Branch in Roy. The vans will run throughout library hours of operation, including Sundays. The shuttles are being provided by UTA as a public service in support of the Main Library renovation. The free shuttle service will operate under UTA rider-rules; however, library employees will drive vehicles. Shuttle drivers will not be authorized to stop at locations other than Weber County libraries.

While the closing will represent an inconvenience for people who rely on the Main Library, the shuttle service will give those who have not had transportation an opportunity to visit Weber County’s newest libraries and see what is in store when the renovated downtown library reopens. Cafés and commons spaces, teen centers, expanded children’s areas, more computers, meeting rooms, and plenty of places to gather for individual study or group learning will await Ogden residents who travel to a branch library location. Library employees will transfer to the Southwest and Pleasant Valley branches to greet library users and offer the same children’s programs and other services currently provided at Main.

Library literacy programs and other ongoing service commitments have already been moved to other locations. Adult ESL classes are being held in the Education Center at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 705 23rd Street, and the Pleasant Valley Branch. The annual Holiday Open House will be hosted December 24th in the Education Building of the Presbyterian Church, 880 28th Street; and children’s summer reading programs will be held in Lester Park. Additional locations and events will be announced as they are coordinated with community partners.

Adults will be able to ride the Library shuttle buses without identification, as will teens and children who are accompanied by an adult. Riders under the age of 18 will need to have a parent or guardian secure a free pass if they are to be allowed to ride unattended. Parental authorization forms and passes will be available at the Main Library until it closes November 11th, and at the Southwest and Pleasant Valley Branch libraries thereafter. Passes will also be available from 5-7 p.m., Saturday, November 5th, at “The Come Together Community Meal & Resource Fair,” hosted at the Marshall While Center, 222 28th Street.

Those requiring special paratransit may receive free services by calling UTA at 1-877-882-7272. Those over 60 years of age may also qualify for free transportation by calling “The Ride” at Weber Human Services, 801-625-3776. Special qualifications apply.

The Pleasant Valley Branch is being made ready to serve an influx of additional users. The children’s space is being expanded and thousands of additional books and non-print materials are being added. The Southwest Branch already has the space, collections, and computers needed to accommodate Main Library users.

The closing and renovation of Main is part of a $45,000,000 Library System expansion approved by voters during a special bond election held during 2013. The original plan for the Main Library called for the work to be done in five phases, taking place over 609 days, with periodic closures between and during each phase. A revised plan will save several hundred thousand dollars by completing the work in just 447 days and three phases, combining all of the previous, shorter shutdowns into one of longer duration.

For additional information, call 801-337-2618.

PUBLIC UPDATE: 10-26-15

ARCHITECT

EDA Architects

EDA Architects was selected through a competitive bidding process to design and oversee renovation of the Main Library. As architects for renovation of Ogden High School, and with experience building academic and public libraries, EDA is well versed in the process of renovating and restoring historic buildings and the infrastructure of modern, third place libraries "that infuse communities with opportunities for people come to gather to teach and learn, to attend and participate, to gather and enjoy." Learn more about the future of public libraries: Click to Expect More videos. Click to Shared Vision Statement.