Downtown Library Renovation & Expansion

[Southron]

The main public library on Government Street downtown is undergoing a $10 million renovation and expansion. The two-plus year project, which should be finished later this year, includes renovation of the interior and exterior of the 1928 library and a new 22,000 sq. ft. addition to the rear.

I'm glad the city didn't abandon this old building and build a new downtown library. This will be a great asset for downtown Mobile.

Renderings:

Click here or here for renovation and construction photos.

[Southron]

The main Mobile Public Library, now renamed for the late Ben May, reopened today after $10 million in renovations and expansion. The building doubled in size to more than 49,000 square feet of space.

A new main entrance faces the parking lot to the south, and there is a new circulation desk and a cafe. The main reading room was restored to try to match its 1928 appearance.

Looks good!

Mobile Press-Register: Ten million dollars and more than two years later, Mobile's main library reopens today

Photo gallery: Mobile public library reopens

[nitek_of_mobile]

I can see the Main Library quickly becoming my 'third place' to relax and read after exploring various Downtown sites.

[Southron]

Library photos, taken last weekend:

New rear entrance