The Allen Public Library, located at 300 N. Allen Drive, is undergoing significant expansion and reconfiguration, which began on Aug. 1, 2024.
The library will remain closed until mid-September when it will reopen at a temporary location at 800 E. Main Street. During this period, no book returns or material check-ins will be accepted. Patrons are requested to retain all library materials until the new site is operational.
While the physical library is closed, patrons can still access the library's digital library. This includes cloudLibrary eBooks, digital audiobooks, NewsStand digital magazines, comics plus comics and graphic novels, Biblio+ streaming videos and Bluebird language learning tools. Residents aged 18 and older can apply for a 90-day digital-only card to access these services.
For those looking to donate books and media during the closure, the library is not accepting donations at either the main or temporary locations starting June 1, 2024. However, local organizations such as All Community Outreach, Goodwill Store & Donation Center and the Salvation Army's Plano Thrift Store & Donation Center will continue to accept donations.
As previously reported by Local Profile, the construction project, with a budget of $19.994 million, was approved by the Allen City Council on May 28, 2024, with completion expected by summer 2025. This funding includes $16.33 million earmarked for construction, primarily supported by general obligation bonds authorized by Allen voters in 2016. The project, delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, resumed in 2021 and aims to enhance the library's facilities and services to address the community's growing needs.
The architectural plans, developed by Hidell and Associates Architects, incorporate feedback from public surveys conducted in 2021 and 2022, as well as insights from a mayor-appointed steering committee comprising Allen residents.
For more information on the library's relocation, services available during the closure, and details on the expansion project, please visit AllenLibrary.org/Expansion or contact the library directly.
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