Maplewood Community Library to close for renovations. What to know

On June 3, the City of Rochester Maplewood Community Library Branch will close its doors to the public to begin renovations and a comprehensive expansion of the 65-year-old facility.

The library averages 5,800 visitors monthly, 800 hours of computer use, and over 30 programs focused on youth and families.

"We are excited about the new improvements coming to the Maplewood branch and all the new amenities children and families will be able to enjoy," Library Director Patricia Uttaro said. "The library is an important community resource where volunteers, staff, and vendors teach English to speakers of other languages and provide citizenship support and school readiness programs."

The expansion will add 2,666 square feet to the library while incorporating expanded designated spaces for children, teens, and adults.

Renovations on the property will include new classrooms, meeting spaces, a secure children's outdoor play area, a parking lot, lighting, updated restrooms, a new entrance facing Dewey Avenue, and more.

While the project is being funded with the federal America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and City capital improvement dollars, library staff, users, a children's design committee, and others have helped influence the direction of the priorities and design.

Construction is projected to be completed in 2026 when the library will reopen. The city is developing a plan to provide temporary library services during the renovation, which will be announced once it is finalized.

More information about the project can be found at: https://roccitylibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/Outreach-Meeting-3-Presentation.pdf.