Bloomfield library packs August before renovation closure

The Bloomfield Township Public Library will close its doors Aug. 31 and won't reopen until Sept. 12, giving staff nearly two weeks to reconfigure the building for Phase 1 of a $7.7 million renovation.

That means August is the last full month of normal operations before construction reshapes the 1099 Lone Pine Road building. The library is filling it with events, according to its August newsletter.

The biggest draw may be the Summer Reading Wrap-Up on Friday, Aug. 7, from 2–4 p.m. The outdoor party features art, games and activities with a construction theme (hard hats encouraged), plus a Kona Ice truck in the parking lot. Children's musician Randy Kaplan performs summer tunes from 2–3 p.m. No registration required.

The next day, Saturday, Aug. 8, the Friends of the Library hold their Second Saturday Sale from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Members get early access starting at 10 a.m.; memberships are available online or at the door.

On Saturday, Aug. 22, the library hosts a Used Furniture Sale from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., clearing out furnishings ahead of construction. The first 30 minutes are reserved for Bloomfield Township residents. All items are sold as-is, and buyers must remove purchases by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28. A similar sale in July raised $3,102, according to library board minutes.

The library's IT staff is also running five 90-minute tech classes through the month, all requiring registration: ChatGPT and AI (Aug. 11), Google Apps (Aug. 17), Excel (Aug. 18), Computer and Internet Basics (Aug. 20) and Don't Get Scammed! (Aug. 25).

Other programs include a Climate Change talk by Lawrence Technological University professor emerita Janice K. Means on Aug. 6, a Library Garden Tour with Jim Slezinski of Goldner Walsh Garden and Home on Aug. 18 or Aug. 20, and a Connected Parent Workshop with educator Tracey Burkle on Aug. 25.

What the closure means

When the building shuts Aug. 31, residents can still pick up holds curbside, use the drive-up book drop, call for phone reference at (248) 642-5800 and access digital services. All services, including curbside, close Sunday, Sept. 6, and Monday, Sept. 7, for Labor Day.

The library reopens Sept. 12 with a new layout designed to keep services running while construction continues in the Youth Services and Circulation Desk areas. As we reported July 24, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the bid package from McCarthy & Smith of Farmington Hills. Phase 1 runs 101 days through late January 2027, with the full project expected to wrap by late spring or summer 2027.

Library Director Tera Moon acknowledged in the library's Summer 2026 newsletter that construction would bring reduced programming, limited access to collections and unavailable meeting rooms, but pledged to keep patrons informed through btpl.org/design and social media.

Residents can track renovation progress at btpl.org/renovation. The next Board of Trustees meeting is Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m.