The Indianapolis Central Library reopens Monday, April 13, after being shuttered for weeks by an interior glass panel that fractured 50 feet above the ground in the building’s six-story atrium. Crews successfully removed the damaged panel, a news release stated, but the work is only half finished.
Patrons who return to the library Monday will see scaffolding in the atrium, along with a temporary containment wall where the glass was removed, until a new panel can be inserted. The glass panels are 4 feet wide and 12 feet tall and weigh approximately 575 pounds, a library spokesperson told IndyStar.
“The staff at Central Library and across the Library system appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during the closure and completing this repair as library staff work to ensure a welcoming space for all visitors,” a news release read.
Here’s what else library patrons should know.
When does the Indianapolis Central Library branch reopen?
The Central Library will resume its normal operations at 10 a.m. Monday, April 13, and close at 8 p.m. Its regular hours are as follows:
As Central Library reopens, another branch closes temporarily
While eager readers return to the Central Library, patrons of the Franklin Road branch will have to find a new place to check out books. A flooring project will close the location at 5550 South Franklin Road tentatively for three weeks, a news release stated, starting April 20.
While the Franklin Road branch remains closed, patrons will need to drop off their books at other Indianapolis library locations — the book drop will be open.
Pickup locations for library holds at the Franklin Road branch have been temporarily moved to the Southport location at 2630 East Stop 11 Rd.
When did Indy’s Central branch library close?
The main hub of the Indianapolis public library system has been closed since Feb. 22, officials said. An earlier attempt to reopen March 3 had to be postponed as work on removing the fractured 3/4-inch-thick tempered glass lingered.
“If fixing specialty glass 50 feet above the floor was as easy as finding your favorite book in our catalog, we’d already be open,” an earlier statement from the Indianapolis Public Library read. “Unfortunately, the work requires the right equipment and professionals to make sure everything is secure before welcoming everyone back inside.”
What caused the glass to break?
It’s unknown what caused the fracture, a spokesperson said, adding the library will share updates with patrons as more information is learned.
Other library services available for Indianapolis readers
Even if you can’t make it to the Indianapolis library, patrons have these services available to them:
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: As Indianapolis Central Library reopens, this branch is closing soon
Reporting by John Tufts, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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