A "pocket library," or temporary space for services, will open March 16 in Milwood's meeting room while construction is in progress, according to APL. Milwood Library Branch is located at 12500 Amherst Drive.

Library staff hosted several public meetings to receive community input about the timeline for its closing. The library was previously scheduled to close from Nov. 10 to December 2015 for renovations such as installing new flooring; repairing the hearing, ventilation and air conditioning system; adding electrical outlets; replacing worn furniture and fixtures; and upgrading technology. Austin Public Library postponed the closing date after residents expressed concern.

When the branch reopens, Milwood will be the first library in Austin to receive an intelligent book return system, which is technology that allows patrons to receive printed confirmation when they return an item to the library, said Heidi Tse, project coordinator for the Milwood renovation. Other upgrades include a technology vending machine, which allows patrons to check out laptops and other mobile devices, Tse said.

Funds for the renovations come from a bond passed by voters in 2012 to upgrade nine libraries in Austin, including Milwood. The renovations will also include a new floor plan of the library. For more information about the renovations, view APL's presentation from a Nov. 19 public meeting.