[UPDATED Oct. 14, 11:40 a.m.]

Some Milwood neighborhood residents are concerned about why renovations to the Milwood Branch Library will take up to 13 months.

Heidi Tse, project coordinator for the Milwood renovation, said the library will be closed at most for 12–13 months but could open sooner.

"We're trying to manage the timeline so that while staff is packing and unbolting [shelves] and taking apart all of the furniture, the process of the contractor's bidding on the project is [underway]," she said. "Two things are going on at the same time so that we can move the project along as quickly as possible."

Before renovations can begin, Tse said, all furniture, shelves and books must be removed from the library and moved into storage. Because all shelves need to be unbolted from the floor and books need to be moved in a specific order, packing up the library can take some time, she said. After renovations are completed, new equipment will be brought into the library.

"We are going to improve on that timeline [to complete the project]," she said. "I just don't want to set up an expectation where we will fall short."

Residents can learn more information about the renovations during a presentation Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Milwood Branch Library, 12500 Amherst Drive. The presentation will also be made available on the website after Oct. 15, Tse said.

[Posted Oct. 8]

Austin Public Library's Milwood Branch is closing for renovations from Nov. 10–December 2015.

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.

Library renovations will include replacing the flooring, repairing the HVAC system and rearranging the interior layout of the library to allow for more seating. Other improvements include adding electrical outlets, replacing worn furniture, fixtures and equipment and upgrading technology.

Residents can attend a presentation Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. to receive more information about the renovations. The event will be at Milwood Branch Library, 12500 Amherst Drive. The presentation will also be made available on the website after Oct. 15, Tse said.

The book drop at Milwood will also be closed during renovations. In the interim, patrons may drop off books at any Austin Public Library location, including the Spicewood Springs Branch, 8637 Spicewood Springs Road, or the North Village Branch, 2505 Steck Ave.

The 8,226 square-foot Milwood branch opened in 1997 and is located on 7.5 acres of land.

For more information visit www.library.austintexas.gov.