Baldwin Public Library open house to showcase renovations

BIRMINGHAM — For the better part of the last decade, Baldwin Public Library has been renovating its space.

The renovations were split into three phases. Phase one was the adult services renovation, which was completed in 2017. Phase two was the youth room expansion and renovation, completed in September 2020. Phase three was the circulation, lobby and public entrance renovation, which was completed this summer.

The total cost of the expansion was $4.1 million. A combination of the library’s voter-approved millage and donations made to the library’s trust funded this project.

“It is so fun to see everyone’s reaction. Everyone is very excited about it,” Baldwin Public Library Director Rebekah Craft said.

Through the project, the front entrance was expanded by 2,000 feet, and 3,000 square feet of interior space was renovated. Other elements that were added were accessibility features, a dedicated sale area for the Friends of the Baldwin Public Library, new study rooms, an outdoor terrace and gardens, The Bookend Cafe and collaboration space, and more.

Increased accessibility was a major part of the project, officials said. Once visitors are inside they can now use an interior ramp, staircase or elevator to get to the main floor.

While the library had a ramp before, it was not as accessible as the one they recently installed. The old ramp was built in 1980 and was compliant with the guidelines for time; however, Craft said there were some issues. It was a little too steep, there was no landing spot in the middle for people who needed a break and there were pinch points where it was not as wide.

Craft said she had previously heard from people who have relatives who use a wheelchair, and they were not able to use the library because of the lack of accessibility.

Now the library also has a passenger elevator that holds up to three people.

Melissa Mark, Baldwin library board member and building committee member, said the welcoming entrance is one of the highlights of this project.

“A ground-level entrance with doors that open as you approach is worth a lot when you are carrying heavy books and kids,” Mark said.

Kristen Tait, Baldwin’s head of access services, said she is most excited about the natural light that is now welcomed into the building.

“All of the renovations have really been focused on bringing light into the library and really transformed the space from what it used to be,” Tait said.

The Baldwin Public Library now has a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that folds into itself, providing access to the patio from the interior of the building. The wall faces Shain Park, giving a nice view for staff and visitors of the library.

“It’s going to allow us to be part of the park and downtown, more than just being a building that’s kind of separate from everything,” Tait said.

A ribbon cutting and grand opening for the Baldwin Public Library’s recent renovations will be held 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15. At 1:30 p.m., the ribbon cutting and public remarks will take place. There will be light refreshments available. The library is located at 300 W. Merrill St.