New CMPL North Branch dome moves into place
Construction continues on library, completion goal 2021
The Clinton-Macomb Public Library is working within the constraints of the COVID-19 at present, but is looking ahead to a brighter future with a dome now in place on the new North Branch location as well as a recent millage renewal.
The Clinton-Macomb Public Library (CMPL) is constructing a new North Branch location on Broughton Road in Macomb Township. The property consists of 7.581 acres and is across the street from the Macomb Township Hall,, south of 25 Mile Road. COVID-19 and related restrictions halted construction on March 24. Construction resumed May 11. On Aug. 13, a 38,500 pound dome was placed on the roof of the new building over the center for the community commons area. Completion of the building’s foundations and steel structure since the resumption of construction
allowed for the dome to be placed, according to CMPL Director Larry Neal.
“The foundations, concrete masonry unit walls, and steel structure are nearly complete. The exterior brick work will begin soon as will pouring of concrete slabs,” Neal said. “Our goal is to have the building entirely enclosed by winter so that work on the interior may begin.”
The original grand opening date for the new North Branch was anticipated to be in August 2020 but COIVD-19, redesign changes and permitting delays contributed to the opening delay.
“Very early on we anticipated opening about this time,” Neal said. “Currently, we are tracking to open in late summer 2021. In the end, it may all work out for the best as it would have been very disappointing to try to have a grand opening of the new building with all of the restrictions and limitations we are currently experiencing. The library owns the existing North Branch and none of the delay has added much cost to the building, and in fact, has resulted in about $400,000 in savings because of the switch from exterior steel to concrete masonry unit walls.”
The new North Branch is designed to have a driveup window, a large lobby space, a café area, a large meeting room, a space for children’s story time and crafts, a young adult area, a literacy skills area for young readers, study sections, tutor rooms and more. Architects are Quinn Evans Architects of Detroit, and the construction management firm is McCarthy and Smith Inc. of Farmington Hills. Cost of the new building is $18.5 million, paid for primarily by bonds.
The CMPL consists of three locations. The Main and South Branch locations are in Clinton Township. The Main Library is located on Romeo Plank Road, south of Canal Road. The South Branch is located on South Gratiot Avenue north of 15 Mile Road. The current North Branch in Macomb Township is located on 24 Mile Road, east of Garfield Road.
The current CMPL North Branch was built in 2001. At 14,000 square feet, it is the oldest and smallest CMPL library location. Library officials considered remodeling it, but found it insufficient for the rapidly growing township area and instead moved ahead on plans for a new building. The new North Branch is expected to be double the size of the current location.
The current CMPL library locations were closed in March due to COVID-19 and related restrictions. By executive order, minimal staff were allowed to be in the buildings during the Stay Home, Stay Safe order. Prior to the onset of COVID-19 and related restrictions, the CMPL offered many online services, and these services have continued. Additions have also been made.
The library moved to an online format, reconfiguring its website to add a button for the Virtual CMPL.
“We added Creative Bug once the pandemic started as it has a large collection of crafting ideas and programs. We have also substantially increased our purchases of ebooks, eaudiobooks and more. Hoopla has become very popular for many of these items, and we’ve increased the type and number of items residents may check out. Some of our vendors have extended services such as Ancestry.com which can be used at home through at least the end of September,” Neal said.
The CMPL began the process of opening building locations the week of June 8. Library drop boxes became open. Curbside delivery began the week of June 10 and phones opened during regular library operating hours. The South Branch opened its driveup window.
The CMPL reopened to the public on July 6 during regular business hours with additional safety measures. Neal said that CMPL was one of the first major libraries in the state to allow the public back into buildings.
“Since we opened, our Friends of the Library organization has started a ‘mini used book sale’ in the lobby of the Main Library. Social gathering limits have forced us to keep all programming virtual, so we have been working very hard to provide the large variety of programs for all ages that the community expects. We are definitely reaching a larger audience, although we greatly miss seeing everyone in person,” Neal said.
CMPL is currently in a Grab and Go model of service, with the intent that the public keep visits short to select materials and utilize them elsewhere. Patrons can enter buildings, browse and check out materials or pick up held items. Computers are available on a limited basis only.
“We tried offering tables to study but felt the situation was not safe as people started moving chairs, were not properly socially distancing, and it was hard for us to sanitize them after each use. We are required by law to maintain a safe work environment for our employees, and we also want to be sure that our services are safe for the public,” Neal said.
Curbside pickup and drive-up window services continue to be available also. High-touch items such as toys and puzzles are put away. Some seating areas are unavailable to facilitate social distancing. Patrons must also wear masks to enter. Cleaning is done by a custodial service and schedules for staff to disinfect high-touch areas are in place. Returned materials are quarantined for 72 hours before being lent again or replaced on shelves. Library staff is trained in hygiene and COVID-19 symptom awareness, and required to complete health checks prior to coming to work.
On Aug. 4, voters renewed a previously authorized CMPL millage, to be collected for eight years. The proposal authorized the CMPL to continue to levy up to 0.3775 mills for library purposes ($0.3775 on each $1,000 of taxable value) on taxable property in the CMPL District. This is for the period from 2002 to 2029. The renewal allows the library to maintain service levels, keep collections updated and of sufficient size to respond to community demand, and to maintain and refresh technology and facilities. The Main Library could acquire a drive-up window by 2022, according to Neal.