Central Library Construction

In 2003, the Lake County Public Library was loaned $30 million dollars in construction bond funds.  These funds were used to build three township branches and to renovate and repair seven additional branch locations.  The remainder of the bond fund is now being used to remodel Central Library in Merrillville.
 
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Lake County (IN) Public Library's Central Library Renovations photoset Lake County (IN) Public Library's Central Library Renovations photoset
September 2011   The entry to Central Library has moved. Follow the Temporary Entrance signs. Book and AV drop boxes are next to the new entrance.
September 2011   The Upper Level is open with wi-fi access and staff who will assist patrons needing materials from this area.
August 2011   The Quiet Study Rooms are no longer available.
August  2011   The Graphic Novel Collection and Young Adult Paperback Books have been moved from the Upper Level to the Lobby of the AV Department on the Lower Level.
August 2011   Historic local newspapers on microfilm are not available at this time.  We hope to have this collection available by October. Additional newspaper collections in NW Indiana are available at the Reference Desk.
August 2011   New Young Adult Books have been moved from the Upper Level to the Middle Level.  They are shelved next to the New Adult Books.
August 2011   The New Large Print Books have been moved from the Upper Level to the Middle Level.  They are on a white display rack along with the New Paperback Books.
August 2011   Bids for work on Central Library were received and later in the month awarded.
July  2011   The Periodicals Department is closed.  A selection of magazines and newspapers can be found at the Reference Desk.  Wi-Fi can be accessed at the middle level Reference area. 
June 2010   With state and federal cooperation, work was completed on a new frontage road in front of Central Library along with a stoplight and crossover at Grant Street, less than 1 mile east of the library.

 

Remodeling Timeline

 
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Lake County (IN) Public Library's Central - Before photoset Lake County (IN) Public Library's Central - Before photoset
2011   Dyer-Schererville Branch Library improvements include new carpet, tile, heating/air conditioning unit, furniture and wi-fi.
2009   Highland Library closed, inside of building gutted, rebuilt and modernized. The Open House occurred on Sept. 12th.

HVAC work completed at Griffith Library.
2008   Munster Branch renovations include a new entrance, reference and circulation desks, children's programming room, roof, heating/air and flooring.
October 2007   Combining the New Chicago Branch and the Lake Station Branch, the public welcomed the Lake Station - New Chicago Branch Library.
September 2007   Hobart Branch shows off remodeling at Sept. 22nd Open House.
May 2006   Shortly after opening, an Open House was held at the new Cedar Library Branch Library located at 10010 West 133rd Avenue, Cedar Lake, Indiana.
December 2005   St. John Branch Library construction was completed at 9450 Wicker Avenue, St. John, Indiana.
July 2003   The Post Tribune reports that "the Lake County Public Library is looking to issue a $30 million bond to provide a much-needed facelift to many of its locations. Should the money run short, Library Director Larry Acheff said he'll have to eliminate items from the bottom, starting with the repairs at the Central Library.  While problems with reassessment still exist for the library and its budget, the bond issue would be separate from it."

 

 

Last Updated:  September 21, 2011