Schedule for HoCo Library closings

   Renovations this year at two popular library locations will result in temporary closures at the Central and East Columbia branches.  The first will be at the Central branch starting on Friday April 1.  Here is the information on that closure:


"Beginning April 1, Howard County Library System's Central Branch will close for renovation. Please note the following dates related to the renovation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
March 14 - Last day to designate HCLS Central Branch as a pick-up location for reserves placed via the catalog. Please pay close attention to the return address of your Items Being Held notice so you know where to pick up your reserved item.

March 29 - Unfilled requests will be changed to a pickup location of HCLS East Columbia Branch. Items already being held can still be picked up at Central through March 31.

March 31 - Last day to pick up held items at Central Branch. Beginning April 2, any remaining held items can be picked up at HCLS East Columbia Branch.

Beginning April 1 - Central Branch closed for renovation.

April 2 - Central reserves available for pickup at East Columbia Branch (6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045).

Library staff will be happy to verify where your item is being held or to change pick-up location to the branch of your choice. You may change pick-up location for your own unfilled requests by logging into your account at hclibrary.org:

Select Requests from the menu on the left.
Check the box to the left of the titles you wish to pick up at a different location.
Click Change Pickup Location.
Select a new pick-up location from the dropdown list.
Click Submit.

July 2016* - HCLS Central Branch re-opens.
*Date subject to change. Visit http://hclibrary.org/locations/central-branch/ for updates."

   The closure of the East Columbia branch is scheduled to start in August of this year.  Assume that the Central and East Columbia branches will not both be closed at the same time.  Here is the information on the future closure at East Columbia:

     "The East Columbia Branch will be completed in two phases, with demolition of the previous administrative office area already underway while the branch continues to be open. The next phase will involve closing the branch to the public (see below). The East Columbia Branch renovations will double the space for quiet study areas (3 rooms to 6), and triple the meeting room capacity. The new teen center (TeenUp!) will include a Teen Time Classroom, HiTech Classroom, Homework Club Classroom, and Student Design Center (dedicated space, complete with work counters and readily available project supplies where students can create and collaborate on assignments and projects). East Columbia’s lobby and entryway will be completely transformed, offering a new and welcoming experience for branch visitors. A design highlight will be a gathering area, replete with a focal piece of unique artwork, in the space currently occupied by the research desk.
Anticipated closing : August 2016
Re-opens: March 2017"

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