The Key West branch of the Monroe County Public Library reopened Monday, about a month after closing for a new roof. The building also houses the Florida Keys History Center, which reopened the same day. Returning visitors will find freshly painted walls and a rearranged collection.
Why the roof had to be replaced
The library closed to the public on Sept. 21 so the roof could be replaced, with the stated goal of protecting the building and its collections, including books, historic documents and photographs. Community affairs manager Nancy Klingener said the original 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.
What changed inside and what remains unfinished
Staff used the closure to repaint the interior and reorganize the shelves, a change Klingener said is meant to make items easier to locate. She described the work as mostly complete, with a few minor items still being finished. Patrons should expect limited parking and front-door access this week. The contractor, Clyde Johnson Contracting and Roofing Inc., finished ahead of schedule and on budget, and the improvements are expected to be fully completed by Oct. 31, 20 days earlier than planned.
Services during the closure and the History Center's next steps
While the branch was closed, library staff ran a pop-up library at the Harvey Government Center on Truman Avenue from Sept. 22 through Oct. 23, where patrons could check out and return books and DVDs. Klingener said the pop-up averaged 30 to 40 visitors a day. Story Time and children's crafts moved to Bernstein Park on Stock Island. Loans for Key West patrons were extended, and items renew automatically up to five times if no one else has requested them. The History Center is also due for interior work, though Corey Malcom, its lead historian, said no date has been set.