With many of its books shelved in unplugged freezers, the Carmel Clay Public Library is taking full advantage of its new home.
The Merchants’ Square Main Library will open Oct. 12 at 2140 E. 116th St. in a building that most recently housed a Marsh grocery store.
The relocation allows for a $40 million renovation and expansion of the library’s Main Street building to proceed more quickly than if it didn’t find a temporary home, although it will be two years before it moves back to its normal spot.
“One important factor in the main library construction timeline is that the demolition, renovations, and additions are happening to an existing building,” CCPL Communications Manager Christy Walker said. “Part of the construction process will include protecting and isolating parts of the building that aren’t being as heavily impacted by the project. In other areas, the addition will be tied in with existing elements and systems, with all the challenges that implies.”
Library hours at Merchants’ Square will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The library is working to process holds placed since the main building closed Sept. 5, and patrons are asked to wait until they receive a hold notification before visiting the library to pick up a hold. Items on hold may be picked up inside the building or through the curbside holds pickup service.
Public computers and Wifi will not be available when the Merchants’ Square branch opens.
Library visitors are required to wear a face mask in the building.
