The Grace A. Dow Memorial Library in Midland, Michigan, is about to hit a huge milestone ,its 125th birthday! To celebrate, they’re giving their awesome 70-year old building a major makeover. Think of it as a cool mix of keeping the classic charm while adding some modern upgrades so it can continue serving everyone in the community for many years.
So, what’s getting a refresh? Well, they’re putting on a brand-new roof, fixing up the lighting to be brighter and better, and repairing the sidewalks and sprinklers outside. Plus, they’re adding a super-handy drive through drop-off for returning books , how cool is that?
Inside, the MidLab maker space is getting even bigger. We are increasing the area by a third. Also, the staff offices are moving back to where they used to be way back when. The Friends of the Library Retail Market is getting a new spot, too. In that way, we can keep the Quiet Room a place for silent reading and book sales. It’s a win-win!
For the younger crowd, the library is creating a special tween zone and sprucing up the tech with some modern systems to boost all their youth programs. And for history buffs, the super important historical archives are moving into a climate-controlled room to keep them safe and sound for generations to come.
Now, to make sure everyone can still get their library fix during all this construction, a temporary mini library will pop up at City Hall starting on September 15.
In summary:
This renovation plan is all about honoring the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library’s fantastic past while getting it ready for what’s next. With new and improved spaces, modern tech, and amazing historical archives, the library is solidifying its place as the go to spot for learning, getting creative, and connecting with the Midland community.