Batavia library sets open house to show renovation plans

The Batavia Public Library plans to begin a yearlong renovation in November and has scheduled an open house to show its plans.

The open house will be at 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at the library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. (Route 31).

Officials said the library will remain open during the renovation project.

“Our building has served the Batavia community incredibly well since it opened in 2002, but the way people use libraries has changed significantly over the past two decades,” Executive Director Josephine Tucci said in a news release. “This renovation is an opportunity to renew our well-loved building while creating spaces that better support how our community uses the Library today and into the future.”

As part of the project, the library plans to update meeting and program areas; improve accessibility and sightlines; create flexible spaces for reading, studying, gathering, and working; improve infrastructure and technology; and replace finishes and furnishings.

During the open house, people can see what the project will look like when complete, and how library operations will be affected during the work.

In December, the library board approved a budget for the project not to exceed $14 million. Some of the money will come from reserves; the library will borrow money for the rest.

For more information, visit the library website at bataviapl.org/renovation.

ssarkauskas@dailyherald.com