A renovation project to transform the Woodland West Branch Library began on Monday, August 6th. This $378,000 project will upgrade and modernize the store front, periodical, and administrative areas; remodel the restrooms to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and replace three of the four rooftop HVAC units.

Due to its unique location within a shopping center, city staff and architect worked together to create innovative solutions to meet the project's requirements. Originally, it was believed expanding the building to the west would be the only way to incorporate all the desired internal changes; however, this plan would have been costly and did not provide for any changes to the entrance. After conducting a review of the initial plan, city staff determined that redesigning a portion of the interior would achieve a more efficient floor plan, allow for upgrades to the entrance, and cost substantially less.

To complete the renovations as quickly as possible, the library was temporarily closed on August 1st and is scheduled to reopen in early 2019. The following services will be affected during construction:

• All materials housed at Woodland West will not be available;
• Book drop off will not be available. Items may be returned at any Arlington Public Library location;
• Requested items will be sent to the Lake Arlington Branch. Patrons may select a different location for holds if desired.

During construction, residents are encouraged to visit any of the City's six other library locations.

Arlington voters approved the Woodland West renovations in the 2014 bond election. Want to learn more about the 2014 bond funded projects in The American Dream City? Check out the 2014 Bond Tracker webpage for maps, project timelines, articles and more.