The sounds of construction will soon begin ringing in the Kalamazoo Public Library's main location downtown. Library officials say the main branch will remain open during the work that begins this summer. It is scheduled to be complete early in 2014.
The project includes a redesign of the library's Children's Room. KPL officials say that's to reflect the library's selection as a "Family Place Library" that provides services related to wellness as well as involvement of parents and the wider community in early childhood development. They say that will, among other things, help kids become prepared for school and improve literacy.
Improvements are also planned in the reference and local history areas on the library's second floor.
Money for the project will come from KPL's endowment fund as well as grants by Family Place and the Major General and Mrs. John S. Patton Foundation in McLean, Virginia.
