DEARBORN – The Henry Ford Centennial Library (HFCL) will temporarily close to the public starting May 20 through the fall for a major renovation project. 

In order to serve residents during the closure, library hours at both the Bryant Branch Library and the Esper Branch Library will be extended beginning June 1.

The extended branch hours will be Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Although the exterior drop box at the HFCL will be open, it is preferred that library material be returned to the Bryant or Esper Branch libraries.

The city regrets the temporary closure of the HFCL, but the renovations are extensive and will result in an improved experience for all library patrons.

The project includes many renovations such as the following:

• the installation of new energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC)
• the replacement of existing lights with energy-efficient lighting
• the renovation of the second-floor restrooms
• the renovation of the east side of the mezzanine, which will include a conference room, several group study rooms, a maker space, a computer lab, a digitization lab and four single-person study booths
• the reorganization of the second-floor layout
• the installation of additional electrical outlets
• the replacement of the wallpaper
• and the creation of a first-floor snack lounge with vending machines. 

Funds to support the HVAC renovation and replacement of existing lighting were made available through a bond sale.  Library Capitol Improvement project money will support all additional improvements. 

More public computers coming to Bryant Branch Library

While the HFCL is closed for renovations during the months of June, July and August, public computer access will be available in the Chamber of Commerce conference room located on the first floor of the Bryant Branch Library. Library staff will provide full-service computing and printing access. 

The digitization lab (D-Lab) will operate out of the Esper Branch Library beginning June 3.

MeLCat

The Bryant Branch Library will become the new temporary pickup and drop off location for MeLCat material for the duration of the HFCL renovation project, although new MeLCat requests will be briefly suspended through June 3.  

MeLCat material must be returned to the Circulation Desk at Bryant and not the drop box.

Book donations

The Dearborn Public Library will not be able to accept book donations until the HFCL renovations are completed in the fall. Please consider donating to the AAUW book barrels inside the Dearborn Ice Skating Center (DISC) on Ford Road, or contacting the AAUW at booksale.aauw.dearborn@gmail.com. 

Summer Reading Program 2019

The Summer Reading Program will run from June 17 to July 27 for all ages.  

Registration may be made online at dearbornlibrary.org or in person at the Bryant Branch Library or the Esper Branch Library.  In addition, each branch will host craft programs, story times and teen programs.

More information and updates

Check the library website regularly at dearbornlibrary.org for further updates about the renovation, as well as programming information.