The Seattle Public  Library announced today that the Rainier Beach Branch,  located at 9125 Rainier Ave. S., is tentatively set to close effective Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, for the rest of the year while the building is partially reroofed, other maintenance is performed and the interior is reconfigured to better meet the needs of the community.

The 15,000-square-foot branch reopened in January 2004. The branch, which was originally built in 1981, was expanded thanks to the 1998 voter-approved “Libraries for All” bond measure that renewed and revitalized libraries across the city.

After 11 years of use, the branch needs to be recarpeted and repainted, and the older part of the branch needs a new roof.

While the branch is closed for that work, the Library also will reconfigure the interior layout to create flexible spaces for children, teens and adults in response to the needs of the community, branch usage, circulation, changes in technology and trends in library services. Shelving and furniture also will be replaced.

The interior changes are part of City Librarian Marcellus Turner’s vision for The Seattle Public Library. One of his five service priorities is “reimagined spaces” — creating new uses for spaces in our libraries to better meet the changing needs and expectations of patrons.

The Library will confirm the closure date after it reviews contractor bids for the project.

While the branch is closed, patrons may choose any other Library location as a pickup location for items placed on hold and may return materials to any branch.

If patrons don’t select an alternate branch, their holds will be sent to the Columbia Branch, 4721 Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1908. Please note the Columbia Branch has limited parking.

Other nearby branches are:

• NewHolly Branch, 7058 32nd Ave. S., 206-386-1905. The NewHolly Branch has parking but is closed on Friday and is open fewer hours during the week.
• Beacon Hill Branch, 2821 Beacon Ave. S., 206-684-4711. The Beacon Hill Branch has parking and is open seven days a week.

Three Summer of Learning programs will be affected by the closure. The following programs have been moved to the Columbia Branch.

• Zip! Zap! Zing! – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25
• Lego Model Designer – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28
• Lego Model Designer – 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4

The Library will provide Homework Help, Toddler Story Time, Preschool Story Time, Somali Story Time and classes in English as a Second Language at the Rainier Beach Community Center from mid-September to mid-December while the Rainier Beach Branch is closed.

The monthly book group meeting will be relocated to the New Holly Branch beginning in September.

The construction project is expected to be completed in early 2016.