Renovations at BPL 2017

Remodeled and really beautiful,  
​now it’s time to enjoy.
An anonymous donation in 2014 set the
Benzonia Public Library on a path to
update the physical spaces inside the library. 
Renovations were completed Spring 2017. 
We used funds donated to the library over the years (and saved for a major project like this).  We also used the funds from a special renovation appeal last year to improve the children’s room, which we had left for last – but not least!  We asked donors to “picture a library that can serve your grandchildren just like it served your grandparents.”
​Working within the constraints of a 1909 building with many rooms, we have:
  •  Insulated exterior walls (warmth is so mundane…)
  • Brightened the walls
  • Added an electronic fireplace to replace the non-functional Academy fireplace
  •  Improved shelving (all the shelves are now adjustable – and level)
  •  Reconfigured the public bathroom so it opens onto the hallway
  • Removed old showers (no more file cabinets in defunct showers!)
  • Created a teen space by removing walls (we call it the "YA nook”)
  • Added mini-split air conditioning
  • Added cellular shades
  • Improved the lighting (with the latest additions being LED)
  • Made the staff room a more desirable place to work with counters, cabinets, more outlets, --- and no smell of bat guano in the walls.
  • Replaced the cramped public computer carrels with long counters in a better location
  • Added tables and chairs for sitting with books and newspapers or laptops or historic photo albums
  • Created a meeting room that groups can schedule to use for their events
And this description doesn’t even touch on this year’s remarkable and creative changes to the children’s room.
 
We thank our local vendors and contractors, see list.
 
We especially thank all those who have donated to the library through the years.  Our millage is spent entirely on operations, and donors supplied the renovation funds. Other donors help supplement our operations budget. 
We couldn’t do the things we do without their generosity. 
 
A nicer environment is wonderful, but it is the staff and programs and collection which make this library special.

REMODELED AND REALLY BEAUTIFUL!
We're almost done!
BPL Renovations in progress 2017.
NONE of the funds for renovation come from the
Benzonia Township voted millage for library operations. 
We thank all who have donated funds to the Library
​over the years so that updates such these are possible.
Imagination, Creativity, and Insulation Phase 3 of the Library’s renovation start mid-January 2017

  • The Library is excited to announce plans for this winter. Now it’s the turn of the Children’s Room and the Staff Room to get updated in our 107-year-old building.  Also, teens will get their own space as the YA Fiction collection moves into a new nook being created in the east side of the main hallway near the elevator.
  • Young children’s books, reading and playing space (including puppet theater), and manipulatives wall will be located in the far end of the current children’s room.
  • Older children’s books, reading space (a window seat!), and creativity space will be located closer to the room entrance.
  • The room will welcome children with imaginative murals (in both sections) by local well-known artist Glenn Wolff and an arch of trees leading into the young children’s space.
  • The Staff Room updates are less exciting but sorely needed.  The space will be more functional with wall cabinets, work counters, and increased insulation to keep out those winter drafts.
  • The project is expected to last about 6 weeks, and we ask your patience. The Library will stay open except for closures for shifting furniture and books and for the contractor to build a temporary wall in the hallway. 
  • The elevator entrance to the Library will not be available for the duration of the project, but the elevator will still serve the upper and lower levels of the Mills. Special arrangements can be made with staff if someone is unable to climb the stairs to get books.  We will also allow an extended checkout period during the renovation.

  • Benzonia Public Library and our landlord, the non-profit Mills Community House Association, are also teaming up to erect a new permanent LED event sign (non-flashing) near the driveway entrance on US-31.