A New Library Chapter is Coming
To continue serving as an essential resource for our community's changing needs, the downtown Leon County Main Library will be undergoing renovations beginning summer 2024 and continuing through fall 2025.
The renovation, which is being implemented as part of the Essential Libraries Initiative, will enhance library services offered to the community and allow the library to meet the community’s current and emerging needs by incorporating flexible, forward-thinking designs that increase accessibility for residents of all ages and abilities. With an open floor plan, new seating, enhanced directional signage, and more, the renovated library space will offer something for everyone.
Project Scope
Highlighted features of the renovated second floor include:
- Fourteen multi-use meeting rooms and gathering spaces
- Career Corner workforce development hub with a career center and simulator lab, offering the hands-on real-world experience of working with heavy equipment machinery
- Soundproof recording studio
- Learning Commons, featuring meeting space for adult education and English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring services
- Ancestry Alcove, featuring resources for family history research
- Public computer areas
- Comfortable seating
- Accessible shelving
- Wider aisles
- Mobile information desks
- Enhanced directional signage
Renderings
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What areas of the library will be under renovation?
The second floor of the downtown Main Library will be under renovation.
2. How long will the entire renovation project take?
Renovations will begin in summer of 2024 and continue through the fall of 2025.
3. Will the library be closed during the renovations?
The Leon County Main Library will remain open for the duration of the renovations. However, there may be periods when areas of the Main Library’s second floor are inaccessible to citizens, but books and other materials will continue to be available by request.
4. Can I continue picking up holds or using library services?
Citizens can continue to pick up holds and use library services at the Main Library. If a citizen prefers to pick up materials from a different library location, they can select their preferred location when placing holds while logged into their account on the Leon County Public Library mobile app or website.
Items in the Library of Things will continue to only be available for pick up at the Main Library.
5. Will public computers still be available during the renovation?
There will be limited computer availability on the second floor. However, citizens are encouraged to check out one of our laptops, which can be used inside the library for up to three hours, or one of our Chromebooks, which can be checked out for a period of six weeks and used from anywhere.
6. How will the noise from construction impact library use?
Since the renovations will be taking place inside of the library during open hours, visitors may experience some noise interruptions in the library. Noise-canceling headphones will be available for checkout from the information desk.
7. Will there be any changes to library hours during the renovation?
8. Will the library remain accessible for people with disabilities during the renovation?
The library will continue to be accessible to all visitors during the renovation.
9. Will there be any detours or changes to usual entrances due to construction?
The second floor West Park Avenue entrance will be closed during the renovation. Please use the main entrance on West Call Street to enter the Main Library.
10. Will any books or other materials be permanently removed from the library’s collection due to the renovation?
Our collection size will not be affected by the renovation. In fact, the renovation will allow the library to offer more materials for check out.
11. What new features or amenities can we expect after the renovations?
Several new features and amenities of the renovated second floor will include 14 multi-use meeting rooms and gathering spaces, a Career Corner workforce development hub with a career center and simulator lab, soundproof recording studio, public computer areas, comfortable seating, accessible shelving, wider aisles, and more.
12. Will there be any changes to library services or programs during the renovations?
The Leon County Main Library will continue to offer engaging services and programs for all ages for the duration of the renovation. View the Leon County Public Library calendar to see our events, exhibits, and more offered through the library system.
13. Is there a way to stay updated on the progress of the renovations?
We will continue to update this webpage throughout the renovation.
About the Main Library
The LeRoy Collins Leon County Main Library has served the residents of the Leon County community since opening its doors on January 20, 1991. Named in honor of Florida's civil rights governor, the structure was the County's first permanent library building. The Leon County Main Library has served as a gathering place for the community for more than three decades and offers hundreds of programs for all ages each year. Since opening, the Leon County Main Library has had more than 14 million visitors walk through its doors.
Media Inquiries
For media inquiries, please contact Leon County Community and Media Relations by email or by calling 850-606-5300.