Inside Views

This panoramic view was taken looking at the north wall of windows on the second floor.

The lower level is getting walls!

Building Basics Underway

Progress has begun on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing . . . the crews are busy installing the basics. Everything that will be behind the walls, above the ceiling, and under the floor are the priorities at this time.

Demolition Phase Almost Complete

The renovation of KHCPL Main is on schedule: the interior walls have been removed and the next phase will begin soon.

Step 1: DEMOLITION

A few photos taken 15 Dec 2009 inside the building at 220 N. Union St. in Kokomo.

Renovation Begins Now . . .

On left of sign:
Kneeling: Stuart Godfrey of krM+ Standing, L-R: Library Board Members Tom Trine and Gil Hendrickson
On right of sign:
Kneeling, L-R: Mike Montgomery of krM+, Library Director Charles Joray, Wes Nicholson of CPM;
Standing, L-R: Library Board President Susan Luttrell with Library Board Members Joe Dunbar, Jim Seidel, Stan Ortman, Bill Sahm

The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library (KHCPL) celebrated Sledge Hammer Day on Monday afternoon, November 23, 2009. Library Board President Susan Luttrell led the way as the renovation process began on the main library building at 220 N. Union St. in Kokomo.

Construction Planning and Management, Inc. will oversee the renovation project which was designed by krM Architecture+. The renovation will transform the downtown facility to meet the changing needs and expectations of today’s population while fulfilling the mission of the library: to provide dynamic services that encourage the pursuit of education, information, research, and recreation in an inviting and safe environment. The library serves the eight western townships in Howard County.

During the renovation, KHCPL Main, including the public computer lab, is open at a temporary location in the former Columbian School building, 1234 N. Courtland Ave. The Genealogy & Local History Department has been temporary moved to 4053 S. Webster St.

The renovation is expected to be complete by autumn of 2010.

KHCPL Main @ Temporary Location

KHCPL Main opened at the temporary location, 1234 N. Courtland Ave., on Monday, October 19.

There are two public entrances: enter through Door 1 or Door 2 from Courtland Ave., or from Door 7 from the parking lot off Webster St. There is a Circulation desk at each entrance. Maps of the building are available and staff can assist you to locate materials or services. There are outdoor book drops located at each public entrance.

Custodians are preparing for the Moving/Salvage AUCTION to be held at 220 N. Union St. on Saturday, October 31 at 10:00 a.m. Preview the items on Friday, October 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and doors open the day of the sale at 8:00 a.m. More details are available at the library's website: www.KHCPL.org

Renovation activity is planned to begin on Tuesday, November 3 on the library building at 220 N. Union St

Relocation During Renovation

The Main Library will be closed beginning Monday, September 28th while a complete renovation of the building takes place. On the 28th, moving crews and staff will begin the move of the collections, equipment and furniture to the Columbian School Building located at 1234 North Coutland Avenue (corner of Courtland Avenue and North Street.)

The Main Library hopes to re-open to the public at Columbian School in mid to late October.

During the time the Main Library is closed, a bookmobile will be parked in the Main Library's parking lot so that patrons can pick up their holds and interlibrary loans. A small collection of books and audio-visual items will also be available for check-out. The book drops at the Main Library wil also be accessible during the move.

KHCPL South, KHCPL Russiaville, and the Genealogy Department at 4053 S. Webster St., will remain open during the move and the bookmobiles will maintain their regular schedules. Patrons are encouraged to use these facilities during the move.