• Construction supervisor Doug Fitzpatrick prepares the slot for new drop box that will be located on the west side of the Okemos Library.

UPDATE: OKEMOS - The asbestos removal from the Hope Borbas Okemos Library will not affect the renovation timeline at all. The removal will occur Friday, October 18th. An air quality test will be conducted after the process, which is standard.

ORIGINAL STORY: OKEMOS - The Hope Borbas Okemos Library is closed until January 2nd, 2014 for renovations. The library received more than $100,000 worth of public donations while Meridian Township provided an additional $200,000 for the project. The public donations were raised from individuals, businesses and organizations in a three month period.

Head Librarian, Betsy Hull said, "We are going to increase the space that the public will have for their own use. They're going to get all of these building updates that they didn't have before. This building was built in 1970 and it hasn't really been updated since then."

The library is expanding their use for technology so the public can bring in their own devices and computers and use them at the library.

"Previously, we only had three wall plugs that people could use to plug into their computers and obviously people need more," Hull added.

The library is using the funds to add more space for children's activities, a larger quiet reading room, a new world languages area, better parking, upgraded wiring and technology, and improved restrooms. The library will also have a west main entrance.

While the library is closed, the public can continue to drop off materials at the library and starting in mid-October the drop box will be on the west side of the building rather than the south side.

The library will have a grand opening in either late January or early February. If anyone has any questions about their library account, they can contact another branch for assistance.