Youngstown Main Library renovation continues
The renovation of the Youngstown Main Library is entering its second phase.
Bids are being reviewed by the construction manager, and contracts will be awarded soon.
The cost of design and construction for the project is expected to be $26.1 million.
Work inside the building will begin next week on the entire lower level, which will be an area of staff offices, and on the first floor's East wing, which will contain the children's area.
Patrons using Main Library should be advised that while the work areas are blocked off, noise levels may be increased during construction.
Outdoor work on the parking lot has been underway at the rear of the building, where a new lot is now open.
Effective Saturday, November 7, the Main Library's parking lot entrance/exit will move to Rayen Avenue and the entrance/exit on Wick Avenue will be closed. Additionally, there will be no access to the parking lot from Grove Street.
Parking spaces for the disabled have moved to the eastern side of the building and are clearly marked.
The new parking lot has a turnaround for patrons to drop off library materials they are returning.
The book drop and media drop boxes will be moved from their current location at the library building's entrance to a position closer to the parking lot.
Library patrons will still enter the Main Library building through the same doors at the entrance facing St. John's Episcopal Church.
The historic entrance facing Wick Avenue remains closed at this time.
Patrons who still choose to pick up their materials curbside without coming into the library may continue to do so from the new parking lot. When they arrive, patrons should call the library number, 330-744-8636, and inform staff that they are in the turnaround; staff will bring library materials out to the patrons' cars.
Patrons are reminded that library branches are open throughout the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County system and materials can be checked out or returned at any open library.