As progress continues on the new Marion Public Library facility in the 1100 block of Sixth Avenue, the opening date of the library has yet to be determined.
After a temporary occupancy permit was issued in June, library employees moved into the building to be trained on new technology and equipment. The library’s collection of books and materials, over 10,000 of which are new, has been delivered and put on the shelves.
Like many projects, the library has been impacted by the availability of materials, delivery delays and labor shortages.
Three major outstanding issues are preventing the library from opening to the public at this time. These include the installation of railings on the exterior of the building, shrouds that cover the fronts of the sinks in the restrooms and completion of the children’s interactive play area. The railings and the shrouds are considered lifesaving installations and will prevent the issuance of a full occupancy permit.
For these reasons, the Library Board of Trustees has not set a specific opening date. The board and library leaders remain hopeful the facility will open sometime after Labor Day weekend.
The Uptown Library branch at 1064 Seventh Ave. continues to serve the community seven days a week in partnership with the Metro Library Network.
