As Beloit Public Library wraps up Phase I of construction, patrons will notice changes that may temporarily impact service. The library remains open, and staff will continue to help with checkouts, computers, and finding materials. Please bear with us because the future improvements are going to be worth the current inconveniences.
The Main Service Desk (Beginning Feb 16)
- The main service desk will be removed and replaced with a temporary service station until our new one arrives.
- Self-check machines will be temporarily unavailable, but staff will be happy to assist with checkouts at any of the available stations.
- While our new indoor book return is built, we will provide a temporary return near the main service desk.
Children’s Area Transition (Feb 16-Mar 8)
- Beginning February 16, the children’s collection is being moved to its new location.
- During this time, all children’s materials will be unavailable, and the Children’s Area will remain closed to the public.
- Sally Duback, the original artist of the FABL Children’s Tree, will deconstruct the tree and rebuild it in the new Children’s Area.
- The fish tank will move to a temporary location before eventually getting a major glow-up in the new Children’s Area.
- Children’s computers will be unavailable from February 16–March 8.
- Plastic barriers will be in place around all work zones.
- When the new Children’s Area opens, picture books will remain unavailable until our new bin shelving arrives.
Computer Lab (Feb 21)
- The Computer Lab will move to its new location after the library closes on February 20.
- It is expected to open in its new location on Saturday, February 21.
- Study pods and parent-child carrels will be added to the computer area once they arrive.
- Genealogy resources, including microfilm equipment, will move into an adjacent area at the same time.
- Printing will transition to a self-serve print release and payment station, with staff support available.
New Program Room, Restrooms, and Related Spaces
- The current Program Room will be closed Feb 16–March 1 (with one scheduled exception on Feb 21).
- The new Family Restrooms, The Engine Room, and Caregivers’ Room will remain closed until Discovery PLAYce flooring is installed.
- After March 1, access to the Current Program room will reopen from the west entrance.
- While our Caregivers Room is closed to the public, nursing parents may continue using the second-floor Quiet Room; please ask for staff assistance.
Blender Café
- The café is expected to re-open in March; more details forthcoming.
- During Phase II construction, access to the café may be through exterior doors only.
Second-Floor Spaces
- Construction of six new classrooms and a reception area on the second floor is mostly finished, aside from adding technology.
- Spaces will be available to the public once the in-room technology (large-screen TVs, speakers, and control boxes) is added and new furniture arrives.
Phase II: Discovery PLAYce
- Cullen will begin finishing out the shell of the old Children’s Area to accommodate Discovery PLAYce.
- Construction includes construction and deconstruction of walls connected to the area from the lobby and the café.
- Luci Creative is nearly finished with the designs of the Discovery PLAYce interior and Learning Play Stations.
- Once design is finalized, we will put out requests for fabrication bidding and select a firm to complete Discovery PLAYce.
- A Discovery PLAYce logo will be unveiled soon.
- Discovery PLAYce is anticipated to open in the fall of 2026.
Thank you for your patience Expect a few weeks of noise, temporary closures, and rerouted access, especially in the children’s and service desk areas. Core library services continue, and staff are ready to help visitors navigate the changes.
