The Key West Library is getting closer to reopening following a roof replacement project that began September 21, but Monroe County Libraries officials are not yet announcing a firm date.
Nancy Klingener of Monroe County Libraries joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM yesterday to talk about what’s going on at our libraries.
The project in Key West is nearing completion, and the branch has received additional interior improvements during the closure, including fresh paint, cleaning and some rearrangement of the space.
“We’re getting awfully close, and we’re so excited to open the doors back up,” Klingener said.
Klingener praised Monroe County facilities staff for their work cleaning the building, saying it was the cleanest she had seen the branch since she began visiting in 1991.
Library officials are asking residents to check the library system’s website at KeysLibraries.org before making a special trip to the Key West branch. The parking lot could remain partially or entirely closed during the final stages of the project.
Although the Key West Library remains closed, library staff continue providing services at alternative locations. Staff members have been working at the Harvey Government Center Tuesday through Friday, where patrons can access books, DVDs and other services. Some services are also available at Bernstein Park.
The closure has also affected the Florida Keys History Center, where officials are taking particular care to protect the collection during the roof replacement.
Klingener emphasized the importance of safeguarding the center’s documents and photographs, describing them as unique and irreplaceable.
Residents can find updated service information and a schedule of activities at KeysLibraries.org. The website also provides access to digital resources, including e-books through Libby, films and television programming through Kanopy, legal information through LawDepot and music through Freegal.
Monroe County Libraries are also preparing several Halloween events for children and families.
The Marathon Library branch will participate in the Trick or Treat at the Beach event at Sombrero Beach Community Park, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 24.
The Big Pine Key Branch will host its Halloween party Friday, October 30, beginning at 2 p.m. The drop-in event will feature a spooky escape room in which participants help the library ghost escape after accumulating overdue fines.
Other activities will include decorating trick-or-treat bags, making monster bookmarks, a mad scientist lab and Ranger Katie’s Boneyard. Costumes are encouraged for children and parents.
Klingener noted that Monroe County Libraries programs are free and open to the public. A library card is not required to attend programs, although one is needed to check out library materials.
The Islamorada Branch Library will celebrate its 60th anniversary in November with a series of Tuesday evening programs highlighting the building’s history and the surrounding community.
The building was constructed after the Labor Day hurricane using poured concrete, a method used for several structures in the Islamorada area following the storm. It became part of the Monroe County Public Library System in 1966.
The anniversary celebration, known as the Diamond Jubilee, will feature four programs. On November 3, Dr. Corey Malcolm of the Florida Keys History Center will discuss the building, its history and the community.
On November 10, representatives of the Florida State Parks system will discuss Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park, with a special craft activity planned.
On November 17, former film commissioner Rita Troxel and Maria Chavez, location manager for the television series Bloodline, will discuss filming the show in the Islamorada area.
On November 24, Dr. Jerry Lorenz, retired research director for Audubon Florida, will discuss the history and importance of wildlife conservation in the Florida Keys. Lorenz is an expert on the region’s birdlife, including roseate spoonbills and flamingos.
Residents can find the full calendar of events, updates on the Key West Library reopening and information about services at KeysLibraries.org.