Watch this space for regular updates on the progress of replacing the Library's windows and HVAC system.

If you have questions, call us at (269) 945-4263, stop in, or send an email to Staff@HastingsPublicLibrary.org.

August 28, 2023 - Project Delay

A delay in the availability of materials has forced a delay in the start of window replacement. When a better date is known we will communicate, but for now we anticipate starting in late October 2023.

August 25, 2023 - Update for Week of 8/28 and 9/5

• Landscaping removal begins Monday August 28 and will take 2-3 days. Watch for workers and equipment around the building.
• Some pre-construction work will happen in Teen and Kids on Tuesday September 5 to address damage from a water leak.
  • The Teen Room, incvluding computers, will be inaccessible most of the day.
  • A small section of kids in the left corner of picture books will also be blocked off.
  • The rest of the Library is open and unaffected.
• The exterior book drops and drive-thru lane may be blocked some time during the week of September 5 depending on when construction materials are delivered. Watch for signs when this happens.

August 21, 2023 - Power Washing Update

Due to an unexpected delay, power washing the exterior of the building will now take place during the week of 8/21.

Older Announcements

August 18, 2023 - Power Washing

The entire building exterior will be power-washed Saturday and Sunday, August 19-20. There will be no impact to services as the library will be closed.

August 10, 2023 - Email Announcement

All of us at the Hastings Public Library are excited to tell you that the project to replace our defective windows is finally starting in late August 2023. Please read on for information on how this will affect Library services.

The high-level timeline for the project is as follows. Please keep in mind that all dates are subject to change.

• August 28 - August 30: Remove landscaping around the building.
• September 5 - January 2024:
  • Remove and replace windows.
  • Repair drywall.
  • Paint the entire interior of the building.
• January 2024: Install new heating and cooling system.
• April/May 2024: Install new landscaping.

During construction, sections of the library will be inaccessible for short periods of time. How will this impact you?

• Closed sections will not be open for general browsing.
• HPL staff can enter closed areas after construction wraps up each day to find specific titles and fulfill hold requests.
• In some situations, we will temporarily relocate materials to maintain patron access.
• Some furniture will move to temporary locations.

During construction, the drive-thru lane and exit will be closed. This space is needed for construction material storage. A temporary external book return will be placed in the parking lot so materials can still be dropped off without coming inside. 

Additional potential construction impacts could include:

• Building temperatures may fluctuate a bit while window sections are replaced.
• Construction noise may be noticeable at times during mornings and early afternoons.
• Parking will be reduced in the North parking lot.
• Some meetings and events in September and/or October may be cancelled or rescheduled due to construction in the Community Room. We will communicate to all affected patrons as soon as we know the impacts.
• The City also plans a construction project along State St. in front of the Library some time between September and October. This may affect access to our building from the street.

Most services should be minimally affected during construction, including computer use, Wi-Fi and self-checkout. 

How can you stay up to date on the construction as it happens?

We will post regular updates on Facebook and our website, include information in our weekly newsletters, and post information in the building. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know. We realize there will be some inconvenience caused by the construction, but hope you are as excited as we are to get these building improvements completed. 

Thank you,

Peggy Hemerling
Library Director