The Key West branch of the Monroe County Public Library reopens Monday, Oct. 26, after a roughly month-long closure for a roof replacement. Staff used the time to repaint the interior and rearrange the shelves, and the Florida Keys History Center, housed in the same building, also reopens that day.
Why the Building Closed
The library closed to the public on Sept. 21 so the roof could be replaced. According to the library, the goal was to protect the building and its collections, which include books, historic documents and photographs. Community affairs manager Nancy Klingener said the previous concrete tile roof was more than 20 years old and had "exceeded its useful life."
The replacement is Galvalume V-Crimp metal roofing, which Klingener said is rated for hurricane-force winds of 180 mph under current code. The work cost $170,000 and was performed by Clyde Johnson Contracting and Roofing, Inc. Klingener said the contractor finished ahead of schedule and on budget, and the broader improvements are expected to be fully complete by Oct. 31, 20 days earlier than planned.
What Changes for Patrons
Patrons should expect limited parking and front-door access during the first week after reopening, Klingener said. Staff also rearranged the collection to make items easier to locate, a change she described as a way to help visitors find specific titles or discover new ones on the shelves.
Services During the Closure
- A pop-up library at the Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Ave., ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, starting Sept. 22 and ending Oct. 23. Patrons could check out and return books and DVDs and pick up holds there. Klingener said the pop-up averaged 30 to 40 people a day.
- Story Time and children's crafts moved to Bernstein Park, 6751 Fifth St., on Stock Island, which also has a library pickup locker and a Lending Machine for books and DVDs.
- Loans were extended for Key West patrons. Books and DVDs renew automatically up to five times if no one else has requested them, and the library does not charge overdue fines.
The library also encouraged use of digital resources during the closure. Klingener said there was no noticeable increase in Libby and Kanopy usage, but audiobook borrowing on Libby recently surpassed ebook borrowing. She said overall system usage "remains strong" and is expected to set a new record this year.
More Information
Patrons with questions can call 305-292-3595 or visit keyslibraries.org.