The closure of the library is necessary to relocate library materials to the $23.2 million project funded by the 2013 bond, Library Director Michelle Cervantes said.
Library materials will still be able to be checked out digitally, but physical materials will be unavailable during this time, according to the city. Due dates for physical items have been delayed until after the relocation has been completed, but patrons are still able to return items early using the outside return slots.
Additionally, Round Rock residents who have library cards may apply for a TexShare library card at the RRPL service desk, which will allow them to borrow materials from other libraries.
Once opened, the 66,000-square-foot library will not only offer additional space for more reading materials, but it will also bring meeting rooms, study spaces and other community resources. Cervantes said she has already heard from some patrons who plan to work remotely out of the new facility.
"I've had so many people already tell me that that's going to be their new office," Cervantes said. "They're going to come bring their laptop and set up. I have a lot of people excited about working in the new library and utilizing the indoor and outdoor space."
Adjacent to the library will also be a 286-spot parking garage, similar to the garage near City Hall.
The new library reached substantial completion in October, said Chad McDowell, the director of the Round Rock General Services Department. The library relocation is being carried out by city staff and contractors, but there are other opportunities to volunteer through the Friends of the Round Rock Public Library.
Library programming will resume in March, Cervantes said, with dedicated areas of the library for children and teens. Cervantes said these areas of the library were designed after receiving feedback from those age groups.
"They had a lot of great ideas," Cervanted said. "We tried to incorporate their ideas into the programming of the building. A lot of the space that you'll see on the young adult/teen side of the space was inspired by their suggestions."
A grand opening of the new library will be held Jan. 28 2-6 p.m. with come-and-go activities, Cervantes said. Additional information about the library's closure and reopening is available at www.roundrocktexas.gov.
