Library Renovation Project

Temporary Library Building Closure: August 31–September 11

The Library building will be closed Monday, August 31 through Friday, September 11 to prepare the building for Phase 1 of the Library Renovation Project. These preparations will allow the Library to reopen safely and continue serving the community throughout the renovation. We recognize this temporary closure is disruptive and appreciate your understanding as we start this important work.

Services Available During the Closure

Although the building will be closed, several library services will remain available during our regular operating hours.

Curbside holds pickup will be available for materials placed on hold.
Phone reference service will be available to answer questions, place materials on hold, and provide assistance with digital services like Libby and hoopla.
The drive-up book drop will remain open for returns.
Digital services—including eBooks, audiobooks, streaming services, and online databases—will continue to be available 24/7.

Visit btpl.org/design for details about these services and other renovation updates.

Why Is the Library Closing?

Preparing the building for construction requires extensive work that cannot be completed safely while the Library is open.

During the closure, contractors and staff will relocate the entire Youth Services collection into the Adult & Teen Services area, move multiple public service desks, install temporary construction walls to contain dust and noise, relocate staff workspaces that will be affected by construction, and pack the Library’s archive collection.

Some of this work involves moving entire rows of library shelving with books still in place using specialized equipment. Because these activities create safety hazards, the building must be closed to the public while they are underway.

What to Expect When the Library Reopens

When the Library reopens on Saturday, September 12, you will notice a different layout designed to keep Library services available throughout construction.

Adult and Teen Services, Youth Services, and Circulation staff will all be available from one centrally located service desk. All library materials will be available, although many items will be in different areas of the building. If you can’t find something, just ask a librarian. We’re happy to help.

Some public areas will be unavailable during this phase of construction, including the Vending Café, Youth Services Room, Magazine Room, and Commons. Throughout the building, public seating will be reduced, though study rooms will continue to be available for Bloomfield Township residents. Meeting Rooms will also be unavailable, as they are needed to support library operations.

These changes will take some adjustment for all of us. They are an important step toward creating an updated Library that better serves our community. Thank you for your flexibility and support as we begin this exciting transformation.

Project Overview

This fall, the Library will move forward with an interior design project to refresh its public spaces. The Library’s last renovation was nearly 20 years ago, and while many areas remain relevant and well-used, others are no longer meeting the needs of the community. This exciting project is designed to improve high-traffic areas, transform underused spaces, and enhance the overall library experience by focusing on community and inclusivity.

Planned improvements include:

Relocating hold items to the front of the library.
Moving public computers and printers closer to the front of the library.
Replacing worn-out furniture.
Refreshing carpet and paint throughout all public areas.
Creating a coffee shop-style atmosphere in the magazine room.
Adding five new study rooms.
Adding a sensory room, lactation room, and two wellness rooms.
Adding an adult and teen programming room.
Reimagining the computer lab for greater flexibility.
Relocating service desks to improve service and sightlines.

Timeline and Phasing

The renovation is expected to take just under a year, beginning in late August 2026 and wrapping up in summer of 2027.

The renovation team has developed a three-part phasing plan, which is a rough outline of when and where each aspect of the work will be completed. Temporary walls will be erected to block off the affected areas.

Phase 1 will run from late August 2026 through late January 2027 and includes Youth Services, the Welcome and Circulation desks, the Commons, the magazine room, and parts of Adult and Teen Services.
Phase 2A will run from late January 2027 through early May 2027 and includes the north end of the building, from about the atlas stand through the study rooms and Computer Lab.
Phase 2B will run from early May 2027 through July 2027 and includes the bulk of Adult and Teen Services, including the service desk.

The dates are subject to change, and the precise locations of the temporary walls are yet to be determined.

Impact on Service

While construction will no doubt create some temporary inconveniences such as reduced programming, limited access to collections, and unavailable meeting rooms, we pledge to keep you fully informed of the project’s progress at btpl.org/design and through the Library’s social media pages. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Library Director Tera Moon at director@btpl.org. We are grateful for your support as we work toward creating a more welcoming, flexible, and inspiring library for Bloomfield Township.

Programs will be reduced in number, but we will continue story times, book clubs, discussion groups, and the Chamber Music Concert series.
Meeting rooms will be unavailable beginning in September as they are needed for library operations.
Collections will be relocated, but staff will be available to help you find materials.
Noise and dust are expected during construction; we will continue to provide updates.
Seating will be reduced in some areas, and study rooms may be unavailable during certain phases. Some seating will remain available throughout the project.

Renovation Team

C2AE: With experienced interior designers, architects, and project managers, C2AE brings decades of expertise transforming public library spaces in Michigan and beyond.
Reed Walker Design Collective: Jenna Walker worked with the Library during the predesign and research phase, developing a deep understanding of the facility, staff and Trustees, and the Library’s strategic plan. She led the team through schematic design and design development, shaping the overall floor plans, finishes, and furniture selections.
McCarthy & Smith: McCarthy & Smith, the construction management firm, is overseeing all aspects of construction, from managing the contractor bid process through on-site supervision during each phase of the project.
Library Design Associates: Library Design Associates (LDA), specialists in library planning, is supporting phasing and relocation planning to help maintain access to collections and seating throughout the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Library need a renovation?
Many spaces throughout the Library are underutilized, and much of the furniture and finishes are showing their age. The last major renovation took place from 2005 to 2008, meaning most furniture and carpet are around 20 years old. With an average of 4,800 visitors each week for two decades, natural wear and tear have taken their toll. In addition, technology use has evolved – patrons often bring their own devices now, creating a need for more flexible study spaces and fewer desktop computers.

What areas of the Library will be updated?
This renovation focuses on all public areas of the Library.

When will the renovation begin?
Construction is expected to begin in late August 2026.

How much is the renovation going to cost?
The total project budget is estimated at $7.7 million. McCarthy & Smith, our construction management firm, is overseeing a competitive bid process to select qualified contractors at a fair and competitive price.

How is the Library paying for this?
Thanks to the support of Bloomfield Township residents who voted to renew the Library’s millage in 2024 and careful financial stewardship by the Library Board of Trustees, the renovation will be funded through the Library’s existing fund balance. No new millages or bonds will be required.

Will the Library need to close during construction?
The Library plans to remain open as much as possible during construction while ensuring the safety of patrons and staff. No prolonged closures are anticipated. Any closures will be communicated as far in advance as possible.

How did the Library decide on these changes?
Planning for this project began with the development of the Library’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan. A community survey gathered more than 500 responses, many highlighting challenges and accessibility concerns that could be addressed through thoughtful design updates. During the design process, the Library also invited feedback through a Furniture Fair and Coffee Chats in fall 2025, promoted through newsletters, social media, and in the building. Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to continuing to share updates as the project moves forward.

What will happen to the old furniture?
Furniture that remains in good condition will be reused and incorporated into the new design. Items that cannot be reused will be offered for sale to the community, with any remaining pieces donated to other organizations. A Used Equipment Sale is planned for July 18. Additional sales will be planned as work progresses.

Stay Informed

Regular updates will be shared on this webpage, as well as through the Library’s email newsletter and on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Please reach out to Library Director Tera Moon at director@btpl.org with any questions or concerns.