Baldwin embarks on latest renovations

BIRMINGHAM — Since 2016, the Baldwin Public Library has been undergoing a three-phase renovation plan.

Phase one was completed in May 2017 and tackled the adult services area.

Phase two, the youth room expansion and renovation, was completed in September 2020.

They are now onto phase three, which includes the circulation area, the lobby and the public entrance.

The early stages of the phase three design process began in 2021 and included outreach initiatives such as a public survey, a community forum and a meeting with library staff.

Construction for the renovation will begin July 5 and is expected to be completed in spring 2024.

The project is estimated to cost $4 million. It will be paid with the library’s voter-approved millage and donations to the library’s trust.

Merritt Cieslak Design are the architects of the project, and construction will be done by PCI-Dailey.

The renovation will achieve a variety of improvements, city officials said.

“The main purpose of the renovation is to make a street-level entrance that is fully accessible,” Baldwin Public Library Director Rebekah Craft said.

Craft said she has heard that some people are unable to get into the building due to the steep staircase and ramp that currently exists. Therefore, accessibility has been the focus of their planning.

The front entrance will be expanded by 2,000 square feet. An accessible, street-level entrance with an interior ramp and a passenger elevator will be added.

Three thousand square feet of the library’s interior space will be renovated.

Craft said they are continuing with the design that was established with the first two phases. Flooring and wall colors will be consistent throughout the building, and they will continue with the theme of “let there be light” to make the space even more welcoming.

The energy-efficient and glare-reducing glass will be added from floor to ceiling to add sunlight to the building.

A new café and collaboration space will be created with tables and chairs for about 40 people and vending machines, including a customizable coffee maker.

The cafe is intended to be a space open for anyone who wants to study or socialize while snacking.

“New mothers who come and have their kids in the reading programs can sit there, have a cup of coffee and chat with friends,” Baldwin Public Library Trustee Melissa Mark said. “I’m really hopeful that this will be a big success.”

People will also be permitted to bring in their own food from home or other restaurants to enjoy in the café.

A dedicated sale area for the Friends of the Baldwin Public Library will be added.

Four new, enclosed study rooms will be added as well as an outdoor terrace and gardens to visually connect with Shain Park.

This construction will not require any street to be closed. However, parking spaces and sidewalks on the west side of Bates, between Merrill and Martin, will be fenced off starting in July. Additionally, parking spots and the sidewalk on the north side of Merrill will be fenced off.

The Baldwin Public Library has addressed how library services will work during construction. A temporary entrance with an accessible ramp will be set up along Martin Street, and all visitors will enter through the Youth Terrace doorway near the corner of Bates and Martin.

Martin Street will also be where the ​​library’s streetside dropbox will be relocated. Users returning items to the dropbox will be able to park in an adjacent parking spot reserved on Martin Street.

During the full length of the project, the lower level Rotary and Donor rooms will be unavailable as the new elevator and ventilation system is installed.

Until the new entrance reopens in spring 2024, the library’s automated return system will be unavailable and out of service. Curbside pickup will still be available at the library.

Updates on the project can be found by visiting baldwinlib.org/renovation or on the library’s Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages. The community can also sign up for occasional email updates.