The Commerce Public Library is closed through next Tuesday for relocation to a temporary site on North Elm Street during the construction of a 5,000-square-foot addition to the facility.
The temporary location is at 2319 N. Elm Street — the former Video Warehouse location. The library will open at that site on Wednesday, May 16.
A moving company began the relocation of most library books and other materials — including its computers — this Monday morning.
During the brief closure, patrons can renew materials by phone at any of the other PINES libraries, including all public libraries in Jackson County, either in person or by phone, or can renew them online. Patrons can also return books at the regular book drop, which will be relocated to the temporary site by May 14.
All library programs and services will continue to be offered, but some of the children’s programs will take place at the Commerce Civic Center or Willoughby Park.
The project calls for adding 5,000 square feet. The process will involve moving the main entrance and moving the main desk. In addition to adding three walls — one big room — and a new roof to the facility, the existing building will be remodeled, including new carpet and a new heating and air conditioning system. It will include a larger children’s section and a larger Heritage Room, among other amenities.
The expansion will be on the northwest side of the building, crossing over the existing main entrance and onto a lot at the corner of South Broad and Elizabeth Street.
The project is funded with $583,000 raised locally (including Jackson County SPLOST revenue) and $1.5 million in state money. Construction time is expected to be about 18 months.
Benning Construction Company, Smyrna, is the contractor for the project, having submitted a bid of just over $1.4 million. The project total is $2 million.
