In July of 2023, the Ypsilanti community was without the Michigan Avenue Library due to extensive water damage from a storm. The aftermath left the walls and ceilings soaked, overwhelmed the roof drains, and damaged other parts of the building.
The library has now started to initiate repairs, according to the Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) website.
The Echo reached out to the YDL for comments on the reconstruction and reopening of the library; however, the YDL declined to comment and referred The Echo to their website.
Since the damage, the YDL website has been providing updates on the closing of the building. As they begin to make repairs, they intend to update it with a variety of improvements.
“Interior upgrades will include three new study rooms, a laptop counter with street views, some spiffy new furnishings, and a completely redesigned youth area,” Lisa Hoenig, Director of YDL, said in the YDL March 1 update.
The alterations are intended to offer more amenities to future patrons upon the reopening of the library.
In addition to these new amenities, Hoenig expressed excitement on the reconstruction and reopening of the library.
“We have our fingers crossed that our beloved downtown library branch will reopen sometime in June. With the supply chain still a bit unpredictable there’s no guarantee, but we’re certainly going to try. A big welcome back party is in the works – stay tuned,” Hoenig said in the YDL March 1 update.
All information has been offered through the recent March 1 update via the YDL website. The YDL hopes to have the library reopened by June of this year, and YDL will continue to update its community members on the progress of the reconstruction.
