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.

April 24, 2024

A few small cleaning details are being wrapped up now. A new irrigation system is being installed and then new landscaping will go in. A new decorative element is also being added to the main downstairs room soon. And then...... we should be completely finished. Stay tuned for more updates.

March 25, 2024

Cleaning of the building has begun! The interior is being cleaned now for dust and any remaining debris. Carpets and upholstery will be cleaned April 4-6. The Library will be closed 4/4-4/6 for the cleaning, except for VITA. They will still see clients in the Community Room as scheduled.

Older Announcements

March 4, 2024

Windows are done! Final drywall repair and painting is happening now. Other details are being finalized as well. The parking lot is open and all equipment should be removed early the week of 3/4.

Arrangements for cleaning the building are being finalized now. We will alert everyone if/when the library might be closed for cleaning.

Stay tuned for final updates and THANK YOU for all of your patience and support.

February 16, 2024 - Window Update Week of 2/19

We are down to the last two banks of windows! Here is the plan for the next week: 

Week of 2/19

Planned Work:

• Remove and replace the south entrance and the windows above it.

Impacts:

• The south entrance will be inaccessible other than as an emergency exit.
• Some parking along State St. will be blocked off for construction equipment.
• The external book drop is moving back to the north parking lot.

Notes:

• The Michigan Room is open.
• The north parking lot and entrance is open

Once the last windows are complete, final drywall repair and painting will start.  Some window sills baseboard trim still need to be replaced which might extend into March. We hope all interior work will be complete by early March, after which  the entire building will be cleaned. Stay tuned for how that will impact services.

February 5, 2024 - Window Update Weeks of 2/5 & 2/12

We are in the home stretch with only a few windows left to install. We expect that phase of the project to be complete within the next two to three weeks. Then drywall repair, painting, window trim, and final sealing and caulking can also wrap up. Please also note we are planning to have the entire inside of the building cleaned once the project is finished. There is dust everywhere! 

Though subject to change based on weather and unforeseen complications, here is the plan for the next two weeks:

Week of 2/5

Planned Work:

• Remove and replace the north entrance and the windows above it in the Michigan Room.
• Finish drywall repair in the main room around the large windows.

Impacts:

• The north entrance is inaccessible other than as an emergency exit.
• The ATM is inaccessible.
• The north parking lot remains closed until late afternoon each day this week.
• Painting should resume this week.

Week of 2/12

Planned Work:

• Remove and replace the south entrance and the windows above it.
• Drywall repair in children's, the Michigan Room and the north entrance.
• Painting continues.

Impacts:

• The south entrance will be inaccessible other than as an emergency exit.
• Much of the parking along State St. in front of the library will be blocked off.
• The north parking lot reopens.
• The external book drop moves back to the north parking lot.

January 19, 2024 - Parking Lot Closed the week of 1/22

Work is finally expected to begin as of Monday, January 22, on te north wall with warmer weather predicted.

The library parking lot will be closed as of Monday January 15, 2024. It will likely remain closed for two weeks as the windows above the north entrance are the next ones to be worked on. We may be able to open the lot in late afternoons and evenings.

January 12, 2024 - Parking Lot Closed the week of 1/15

As you no doubt discovered, our parking lot remained open the past week. Snow and rain prevented removal of the windows in the Michigan Room and Children's as planned. Work is now expected to begin early the week of 1/15. 

The library parking lot will be closed as of Monday January 15, 2024. It will likely remain closed for two weeks as the windows above the north entrance are the next ones to be worked on. 

Parking in front of the library will be open along State St. and the Library will be open for normal business hours. All scheduled events will still take place.

We will move the external book drop to be near the south entrance doors. Drive up access will not be possible, but you can still return materials without coming inside.

The Michigan Room will be closed during window replacement and much of picture books will be inaccessible at times.

December 11, 2023 - Window Updates Weeks of 12/11 & 12/18

Week of 12/11
Planned Work:

• Finish initial installation of the last large window on the east wall and move to the south windows.
• Exterior sunshades on the south side will be temporarily removed.
• Painting continues near the copy room & book store, circulation desk, children's room, bathrooms and north entrance. Work may happen near DVD, large print and audiobooks. 
• Drywall work will begin on the east wall.

Impacts:

• Look for temporary space closures around the first floor all week for painting, and along the south wall near adult fiction for windows.
• The Children's rotunda is closed Monday & Tuesday for painting. Other sections of Children's will close for short timeframes Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Adult fiction books near the south wall may be inaccessible at times due to window work. BCG will cover shelves as needed so patrons should ask staff for assistance.
• Fireplace seating is available, as is the teen room.
• Apple/Boltwood street behind the library is OPEN. Some parking along State St. is closed for window work.
• Expect increased noise during large window demolition.

Week of 12/18
Planned Work:

• Continue replacing large windows along the south wall.
• Painting will continue, locations TBD, but work will likely begin on the east wall.

Impacts:

• Same as above.
• Seating along the south wall, including the Wi-Fi lounge by the Christmas tree, will be inaccessible.

November 27, 2023 - Window Update Weeks of 11/27 & 12/4

Here is the latest on the window replacement project.

Week of 11/27
Planned Work:

• Remove and replace the first large window near the fireplace.
• Move to other large windows if possible for prep.
• Painting may begin this week, dates TBD.

Impacts:

• Fireplace seating and some reading tables are inaccessible.
• Apple/Boltwood street behind the library is closed from the library parking lot to State St. The library parking lot and Thornapple Plaza are still accessible via Apple St. coming from N. Michigan Ave. Some parking along State St. is also open.
• Expect increased noise during large window demolition.
• Building temperatures may fluctuate as large windows are removed and replaced, but the openings are being covered to minimize cold air coming inside.
• Books adult fiction mostly in the ST name range are temporarily  inaccessible in boxes. Titles can be requested from other libraries if needed. 

Week of 12/4
Planned Work:

• Continue replacing large windows along the east wall.
• Painting continues on the 2nd floor.

Impacts:

• Same as above.

November 13, 2023 - Window Update Weeks of 11/13 & 11/20

Here is the latest on the window replacement project. Note work will begin on the large windows near the fireplace this week. 

Week of 11/13
Planned Work:

• Finish replacing windows in the Children's rotunda.
• Begin prep to remove the first large window near the fireplace.
• Continue drywall repair in Teen, children's and at the upstairs patios.
• Potentially begin painting upstairs.

Impacts:

• The children's rotunda is inaccessible until late this week.
• Board Books are on a rolling cart near the rotunda.
• Storytimes may be in the Community Room.
• Magazines, newspapers and coffee will be temporarily relocated.
• Fireplace seating and some reading tables will be inaccessible.
• Expect increased noise once large window demolition begins.

Week of 11/20
Planned Work:

• Continue replacing large windows along the east wall.
• Painting is expected to continue/begin, location TBD

Impacts:

• Fireplace seating and some reading tables will be inaccessible.
• Some adult fiction shelving near the east wall may be inaccessible.
• Expect increased noise once large window demolition begins.
• Apple/Boltwood street behind the Library will see temporary closures as the large windows are worked on.

October 31, 2023 - Window Update Weeks of 10/30 & 11/6

Week of 10/30/23
Planned Work:

• Replace windows in the Teen rotunda.
• Wrap up details on the two 2nd floor patio window walls.

Impacts:

• Tween, Teen Non-Fiction and most of Teen Graphic are inaccessible.
• The Teen room and some of the downstairs is chilly during the morning and afternoon due to cold air during window replacement.
• Teen computers are available.
• All of Teen Fiction and some Graphic are accessible.
• The drive-thru lane remains closed, use the book drop near the parking lot building entrance.

Week of 11/6/23
Planned Work:

• Replace windows in the children's rotunda.
• Prep ceilings in both entrances and near picture books for future window replacement.

Impacts:

• The children's rotunda will be inaccessible.
• Board Books are on a rolling cart near the rotunda.
• Children's may be colder during the morning and afternoon.
• Storytimes will be in the Community Room

October 19, 2023 - Window Replacement Starts Monday 10/23

Window replacement begins Monday 10/23/23. Here are details of the planned work and impacts to Library services.

During construction, the drive-thru lane and exit will be closed. The closure will begin Monday 10/23. This space is needed for construction material storage. An external book return will be placed in the parking lot so materials can still be dropped off without coming inside.

Week of 10/23/23
Planned Work:

• Replace windows to both 2nd floor patios.
• Replace all windows in the teen and children's rotundas. Begin drywall repair around new windows.
• Begin painting most of the second floor, teen room and children's rotunda.

Impacts:

• The Community Room may be inaccessible Monday 10/23 and most of Tuesday 10/24.
• The Teen and Children's rotundas will be inaccessible as of Wednesday 10/25. They will reopen once windows are replaced, drywall is repaired and painting is complete, date TBD.
• Children's board books will be relocated for access. Children's toys will be inaccessible.
• Teen seating will be inaccessible.
• Tween fiction and Teen non-fiction will be inaccessible. Staff can get materials for patrons after construction is complete each day.

Week of 10/30/23
Planned Work:

• Continue drywall repair & painting on the 2nd floor in the Community Room, Teen & Children's rotundas.
• Replace windows on the south and east walls in the main areas of the library between the south entrance and magazines.

Impacts:

• Sections along the perimeter from magazines around to the south entrance will be inaccessible at times, including some of adult fiction.
• Staff can get materials for patrons after construction is complete each day.
• Coffee, Magazines and Newspapers will be relocated for access during construction.
• Seating will be reduced as furniture must be moved away from windows.
• Teen Computers will be inaccessible during painting, specific dates TBD.

October 19, 2023 - Boiler Replacement Update

Boiler work continues but the building now has heat again.

October 16, 2023 - South Entrance Open

Streetscape work by the City is mostly complete in front of the Library and the South entrance is now open again.

October 9, 2023 - Boiler Replacement

The Library's boiler will be replaced this week beginning on Tuesday, October 10. This means the building may be cooler than normal until Friday, so dress appropriately if you plan to spend time in the building. We do not anticipate closing during this time, but if conditions inside become too cold, we will re-evaluate and alert everyone to any changes.

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.

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