Herrick District Library's main facility renovations include a new two-story playhouse in its children's department. Courtesy Herrick District Library
Every month, library staff change the theme of the imagination-driven playhouse. Courtesy Herrick District Library
Books facing out are more readily chosen by children. Courtesy Herrick District Library
A cozy reading area sits next to Herrick District Library's new fireplace. Courtesy Herrick District Library
Renovations at Herrick District Library include a fireplace next to its Book Nook used book store. Courtesy Herrick District Library
Herrick District Library's DIY maker space Groundworks includes 3D printers, embroidery machines, graphic design tablets and more for patrons to use on site. Courtesy Herrick District Library
With its newly expanded Groundworks DIY space, Herrick District Library initiated a Maker-in-Residence program. Artist Joel Schoon-Tanis was the first maker. Courtesy Herrick District Library
Herrick District Library's newly renovated main facility has a more open floor plan. Courtesy Herrick District Library
Renovations at Herrick District Library included an entirely new staircase in a new location to open up the library's floorplan. Courtesy Herrick District Library
As renovations wrap up, Herrick District Library is ready to celebrate. The library has planned a community celebration 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20.
The free event — jointly sponsored by Herrick District Library and Lakewood Construction — will include sweet treats, princesses, balloon animals, live jazz, photobooth fun and more.
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Courtesy Herrick District LibraryWith its newly expanded Groundworks DIY space, Herrick District Library initiated a Maker-in-Residence program. Artist Joel Schoon-Tanis was the first maker.
“We are so proud to be able to partner with Herrick District Library on what was more than just a project, it was a passion,” says Kyle Engbers, executive vice president of Lakewood Construction. “It has been such a meaningful experience to serve the library over the last two years and design the new area to support literacy and community programming for generations to come. We can’t wait to see all the ways that our neighbors and staff members will use the redeveloped space to support their needs and engage in learning.”
The renovation of the 20-year-old main library building was undertaken with public input.
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Courtesy Herrick District LibraryRenovations at Herrick District Library include a fireplace next to its Book Nook used book store.
Saving up
Herrick District Library did not seek bonds or ask for an increased millage but rather used reserves from its operating budget to pay for the $5.7 million renovation that updated and expanded its children's area to include a two-story playhouse, its DIY space Groundworks, LEGO lab, study rooms and other areas.
The new space includes a more open concept as well as structural improvements including necessary roof and lighting repairs as well as replacement of worn carpets.
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Courtesy Herrick District LibraryBooks facing out are more readily chosen by children.
“We want the public to be able to explore the newly renovated spaces and dream with us about new possibilities at their library,” HDL Public Relations Manager Sara DeVries says.
This is the second recent renovation for the library, which also doubled the size of its North Branch in a $4 million 2020 renovation project that also used operating budget reserves.
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