The books are moving!

Library staffers are boxing up for storage the entire Albert Lea Public Library adult collection so that the books can be protected from asbestos and other dust and debris while heavy renovation work is being completed in the current library spaces. The library will be closed while the collection is unavailable.

Library staff provided this calendar to help patrons plan for the closure period.

– July 23 to Aug. 5:

Books checked out during this period will not be overdue until after Sept. 16.

– Aug. 6 to Sept. 9: The adult library will be closed due to construction and collection unavailability.

Inter-library loan requests may be placed by telephone or online and picked up in the children&8217;s library until it closes on Aug. 22. WI-FI access and reading of daily newspapers will be available in the top floor Clark Street lobby. The outdoor book drop will be available.

– Aug. 6 to Aug. 22: The partially completed new children&8217;s library will remain open on weekdays.

Inter-library loans will be held for pickup in the children&8217;s library.

– Aug. 23 to Sept. 9:

The children&8217;s library will be closed for finishing construction work and computer installation.

– Sept. 10: The entire remodeled library will reopen and resume regular hours. Patrons will find expanded space, disability improvements, new comfortable seating, increased number of public access computers and extended usage time, displays of local artwork, and other improvements.

The Albert Lea Public Library Foundation is planning a community ice cream social to celebrate completion of the library project Sept. 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Fountain Lake Park gazebo.