Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
Starting on June 11, the Mt. Washington Branch will temporarily relocate to 2206 Beechmont Ave. as the permanent space undergoes renovations. The two spaces are a short five-minute walk from one another.
The permanent space will close to the public on June 6 to accommodate the move.
The Details
The Library is working to make this transition smooth and with minimum pause of services to customers. Hours will remain the same: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.
“My staff is excited that we not only get to keep serving the community, but that we get to keep working together... It’s a close-knit group,” said Branch Manager Paul Burch.
Available resources will include four public desktop computers, two self-checkout devices, and 12-bay laptop kiosks. Customers will also be able to copy, scan, fax, and print.
In addition, the temporary location will have a designated children’s area, holds pick-up, and available parking behind the building.
Your Next Generation Library
“This is a way of giving back to the community, and giving them the Library they deserve,” Paul said. “They love the Library and its old-fashioned aspects. I think we’re keeping enough of that, but to give them something more modern, with a MakerSpace and a meeting room, will be great.”
Your renovated Mt. Washington Branch will include:
- Modernizing mechanical and electrical systems that are over 50 years old and at the end of their service life
- New paint and new flooring throughout
- New furniture throughout
- Refreshed staff space
- Updated children’s area
- Dedicated teen area adjacent to natural light
- Quiet adult reading area with fireplace wall
- A new MakerSpace area
- A meeting room that can accommodate larger groups
Paul said that the MakerSpace will include a conversion station, embroidery station, sewing station, and digital creation station.
Ongoing Events
As renovations take place, the community can still look forward to events. Mt. Washington Branch staff plan to continue the following programs in the temporary space:
- Toddler Storytime from 10:30-11 a.m. on Wednesdays. Intended for ages newborn to preschool, this storytime encourages emerging language skills with books, rhymes, music, and fun.
- Knotty Knitters from 6-7:30 p.m. on Mondays. This recurring club for adults is perfect for anyone stuck on a project or just wanting to connect with others who knit.
- Tuesday Night Yoga with Gina from 6-7:30 p.m. on select Tuesdays. Enjoy a session with certified yoga instructor, Gina Belew.
- Little Artists from 3-4 p.m. on Thursdays. Kids can work on different collaborative art projects every month!
- Tech Help Thursdays from 2-3 p.m. on Thursdays. Come get answers to your technology questions!
The Knotty Knitters have met at the Mt. Washington Branch for many years, first as an unofficial club and then as a regular Library-recognized event.
“We’ve really embraced them,” Paul said, adding that they now have adult-sized tables for the knitters to meet at. “Their group keeps growing. They have 20 to 30 knitters on some occasions.”
Paul said that customers can also look forward to Summer Reading-related events, musical performances, and video game events. In September, the branch’s annual Fantasy Football League Draft will return.
While the temporary space will continue to meet the community’s needs over the next six months, customers and Library staff alike can look forward to celebrating their refreshed branch in late 2025.
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