Tecumseh District Library renovations underway

Tecumseh District Library (TDL) is once again making improvements. “We are in the midst of the beginning stages of renovating the lower level of the library,” said TDL Director, S. Gayle Hazelbaker. “We are calling this phase one.”Phase one involves the creation of a second egress on the east side of the building that matches the existing egress. The addition of the egress will not change the library’s entryway. “The new egress is why we are digging up the front of the library,” Hazelbaker said. We are updating the one on the south side as well. The concrete steps are now gone.”Completion of the two egresses is expected by the end of the year.The existence of a second exit brings the library up to code. Before other planned renovations could be completed, the library was required to meet updated safety codes.“We won’t ever have to worry about something happening and people being unable to get out,” said Hazelbaker.In 2016, the library moves forward with the renovation of the lower level. The library wants to increase flexibility of the meeting areas located downstairs.There has been an increase in public use of the meeting rooms, and the goal is to provide a flexible design of the meeting areas to accommodate a wide variety of groups. An upgrade to technology is also necessary, as groups and individuals are requiring more sophisticated platforms for meetings and presentations.“We hope to be able to accommodate every group interested in using our facilities,” Hazelbaker said.A barrier-free rest room will be added, and storage for tables and chairs will be increased. More storage will provide more space for more people.“We would like it to match the great renovation we have upstairs,” said Hazelbaker. “Our main floor is very much 2015 and the basement is stuck in the 1960s. We’re hoping to jump the time warp. We’re very excited about the future and how wonderful it’s going to be.”The second renovation is planned for completion at the end of 2016. In the meantime, Friends of Tecumseh District Library will have to relocate.The group will not be going far. Tecumseh Public Schools (TPS) has made room in its Administration building across the street from the library for Friends’ storage, meeting space and book sales during the renovation.“We feel grateful to [TPS Supt.] Kelly Coffin for offering up the space,” Hazelbaker said. “The Friends are over the moon.”Hazelbaker emphasized no tax dollars will be used for either phase of renovation. “We will pay for Phase 1 with capital funds we have put aside for the past couple years,” she said. “We are writing grants to pay for phase two. We will not be asking the taxpayers for an increase in what they already so generously give to the library.Although the work is somewhat of a disruption for patrons, the goal is to keep the library operational. “Throughout the whole renovation we will be open with our normal hours,” said Hazelbaker.