Improvements at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Work is underway for a number of improvements at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. The work in the Great Hall and the old Business, Science and Technology room is part of an overall effort to continue to improve the first floor. 

Great Hall

Drawing of the Planned Great Hall Renovations
 On Tuesday, April 9, contractors began work on refurbishing the current Circulation Desk in the Great Hall of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. As part of the refurbishment, the desk was stripped, sanded, varnished and stained.

On Monday, April 22, as part of renovations in the Great Hall, the front lobby elevator was closed.

Other planned improvements/additions include:

  • Lounge furniture in the Great Hall
  • Installation of permanent audiovisual equipment

Digital Commons (former Business, Science and Technology Room, first floor)

Drawing of planned Digital Commons Drawing of planned Digital Commons

The Business, Science and Technology room is being rebuilt into a Digital Commons space that will house 70 public computers and other technology. All materials in BST were moved up to the second floor starting in August 2012 and integrated with non-fiction books to make it easier for people to find what they want. Asbestos abatement followed in December, and now further construction continues to convert the space.

In addition to public computers, the Digital Commons space will offer enhanced meeting rooms and gathering spaces aimed at encouraging creation and innovation.

Worker fireproofing future Digital Commons space Ceiling tiles in future Digital Commons space

Above, at left, a worker works on fireproofing the future Digital Commons space; at right, ceiling tiles await spraying. For more photos of some of the work being done, check out our Facebook page.