HELENA — Due to the increasing amount of work being done on the Lewis and Clark Library’s remodel project, the Main Library services will be closing for two weeks while they move to a temporary location.
The Library will close the Main Library to the public on March 30 while they move to their temporary “Capital Branch” at 1609 11th Ave by Leslie’s Hallmark. The Capital Branch will officially open Monday, April 13.
Collections and services will be available on a limited basis at the branch until the remodel project is completed.
The Library will move more than half of the Main Library’s collection to the Annex space and will provide the ability to place holds on the items left at the Main Library location.
Library Director John Finn says construction is coming along well, but the next two phases will be more complex.
“We feel that it’s going to be a safer proposition to actually keep people away from the construction process at the Main Library, and just move our services to another location,” said Finn.
The Capital Branch will officially open April 13, which means there will be two weeks without a physical Helena location. Finn says library patrons will still have options during that time.
“All of the branches will be operating. The East Helena branch will have the same hours, same services,” said Finn. “And what's great about the East Helena Branch Library is the HATS bus stops right in front of the library. So if folks really need to get to a library to do research or pick up materials, that would be the space to do it.”
Story Time will continue to be held at the Myrna Loy, and the Bookmobile will operate its regular routes.
The Library is also looking at adding some downtown stops and after hours stops for the Bookmobile during the two weeks of transitioning from the Main Library to the Capitol Branch.
Staff will continue to use social media and the Library's webpage to keep patrons updated on the remodel.
