Sterling Heights library turns page on building construction – C&G Newspapers

The Sterling Heights Public Library is preparing to undergo renovations over the next several months.

Black markings are visible on pillars outside the librarys entrance. According to city officials, the markings will be covered up once the weather breaks and painting can be done.

Photo by Deb Jacques

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STERLING HEIGHTS A new chapter of change is underway as the Sterling Heights Public Library begins a remodeling process. But library staff members are warning that not all of it will be quiet.

The city officials recently announced that a season of library renovations would be kicking off soon. Sterling Heights Purchasing and Facilities Maintenance Manager Jared Beaudoin said in an emailed statement that the decision to renovate stemmed from the citys 2017 Facilities Conditions Assessment. He said the city conducted a workflow study so that renovating work spaces would ensure efficiencies.

In 2018, the Sterling Heights City Council agreed to issue capital improvement bonds for the renovations, Beaudoin explained. He said the funding covers new furniture, building finishes, HVAC replacement and upgrades, electrical work, plumbing, security, and the fire alarm and IT systems.

The estimated cost for these renovations at the public library is $4.1 million, Beaudoin said. These are the first library renovations in 20 years. The last renovations in 1999 added more than 8,200 square feet to the facility.

Jason Groth, the librarys public relations and programs coordinator, said the renovation work will include new lighting, furniture and carpeting, as well as fresh paint.

He said a new glass-enclosed teen room on the first floor will be a place where young people may study and socialize. More study rooms and a makerspace room for craftwork and tech-related projects will be added.

Based on patron feedback, many residents want to boost the librarys role as a community space, Groth said. The renovations are working toward that end.

Groth assured patrons that the library building will generally stay open throughout the renovation period, though at times sections will be closed off while workers get the construction done. For instance, at times, the programming center will be blocked off, but affected library programs will temporarily take place at the new Community Center building across the street, he explained.

Groth assured residents that all normal library materials may still be checked out. In cases where the materials would normally be in a walled-off area, a librarian may access them, he explained.

Groth said he believes that the librarys core renovations could last roughly from March until November, though he emphasized that the timeline is not firm.

We also do not know which sections will be closed first, he said.

Groth warned that patrons might have to bear with noise and other inconveniences during the period, and he hopes that people will pardon any dust that occurs.

We hope our construction crew will minimize such nuisances, but we cant guarantee that theyll be eliminated, he said.

Learn more about the Sterling Heights Public Library, 40255 Dodge Park Road in Sterling Heights, by visiting shpl.net or by calling (586) 446-2665.

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Sterling Heights library turns page on building construction - C&G Newspapers