Morrisson-Reeves Library in Richmond will move at least some of its operations to a temporary space while its building undergoes major renovations to address problems.
The library said in a Nov. 20 press release that a recent facilities assessment revealed “significant issues” with the building on North Sixth Street in Richmond’s downtown, including deteriorated masonry, water and moisture damage, outdated plumbing and electrical systems, and “other systems nearing the end of their lifespan.”
Library director Dena Little says that MRL is using the anticipated renovations to go through a comprehensive building planning process, which she says will not only allow it to address these issues but also better serve the community. “Over the past five decades, how people use libraries has evolved,” Little said in the release.
The library has been through several versions of its home since its opening in 1864. The current building opened in 1974 after the original structure was demolished to make space. It has since undergone updates, including a significant renovation that finished in 2018 following a strategic planning process. An earlier 2016 update saw the opening of a dedicated space for teenaged library patrons.
From its original 6,000 book collection, MRL has grown in to offering a variety of services under its mission to connect people to information. In addition to books, magazines and newspapers, patrons can get online, access multimedia materials such as movies and music, check out baking, technology and home repair tools, get help with tax return preparation, reserve meeting rooms for events and more.
Library leaders say they want this latest building planning process to be informed by area residents.
“We are excited to start on this journey with the community,” said Josh Imhoff, engagement manager at MRL. “We want to hear from our patrons what they value most about the library and how we can improve their experience. This feedback will be vital in shaping the future of MRL.”
Two community forums are scheduled in December to gather input: Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m., both at the library. Those who are interested in giving input but cannot attend either session are invited to send their thoughts to community@mrlinfo.org.
Imhoff told WWN that while the timeline for the renovations and move is still being determined, they are focusing on the move taking place in 2025. He said that a temporary location has not yet been identified, but that the goal is to continue offering as many of the library’s current services as possible in that location. “The goal is for our patrons to be able to use MRL for all their needs throughout the transition,” Imhoff said.
When asked how the change would affect library employees and staffing levels, Imhoff said they are hoping to cause “the least disruption possible.”
Costs for the project have not been finalized. MRL is working with Richmond architectural firm LWC Incorporated to develop the new plan, and that will determine the dollar amounts involved.
Morrisson-Reeves Library’s primary funding source is revenue from property taxes along with grants, donations, local income taxes and other sources. The proposed 2025 budget published in October was just over $3 million, with about $2.5 million coming from tax levies. A recent bequest of just over $1 million from the estate of Madalene B. White, a Richmond resident who died in 2023, will also be used to fund building updates.
The library said it will post more information and updates online at mrlinfo.org/building/ throughout the process.
A version of this article appeared in the November 27 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.