Siouxland Libraries’ Oak View Branch to close for renovations
Library starts ramping down service hours next week for closure scheduled to go through December
Siouxland Libraries’ Oak View Branch will temporarily close Aug. 18 as the 20-year-old facility undergoes renovations aimed at modernizing the space and improving visitor experience.
Planned upgrades to the library, which is located near the Kenny Anderson Community Center and park, include:
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Renovating the front entrance, including sidewalk and driveway improvements, to address wear and tear from high use and heavy wind loads.
Improving restrooms and the entrance experience that aligns with current code requirements.
Reorganizing staff areas to create more functional workspaces and improve efficiency.
Enlarging the quiet room and adding four new study rooms to meet the high demand of guests.
Updating landscaping with more appropriate, lower-maintenance materials.
Creating a fenced-in outdoor patio space in the courtyard, funded by a $140,000 donation from the Lansky family. This space will allow the library to expand programming opportunities, including its birth to 5-year-old programs during the warmer months.
“The renovation of the Oak View Branch is all about enhancing the guest experience,” library Director Alysia Boysen said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience during the temporary closure, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to a refreshed and revitalized library that will truly enrich the lives of our guests.”
The branch is expected to remain closed until late December. Visitors are encouraged to use any of Siouxland Libraries’ other 12 locations during the closure.
Preparations for the renovation will begin a week earlier. Meeting and study rooms at Oak View will close Aug. 11, and all scheduled programming will be suspended. Starting the same day, patrons will no longer be able to select Oak View as a hold pickup location. Holds already at Oak View can be picked up through Aug. 17. After that, remaining holds will be transferred to the Downtown Library for pickup beginning Aug. 18.
When the closure takes effect, Oak View’s drive-up and walk-up book drops will also close.
Construction will begin Aug. 18, and Siouxland Libraries will share progress updates and photos on social media at @siouxlandlib. A list of library branches is available at siouxlandlib.org/all-branch-locations.