Romulus Public Library celebrates official reopening

Mayor Robert McCraight presents a resolution declaring

Library Day in Romulus to Library Director Patty Braden

during the reopening event.

The Romulus Public Library celebrated the beginning of a new chapter last week as the facility was officially re-opened to the public following a nearly two-year renovation.

Several city officials including Mayor Robert McCraight and members of the city council attended the official ribbon cutting welcoming the completion of multiple upgrades at the library. Members of the Friends of the Library and Romulus Chamber of Commerce board members were also on hand for the reopening celebration. 

The renovations included improvements to both the aesthetics and functionality of the building. 

New carpeting was installed throughout the newly-renovated space and adult services area, concluding updates to the public computer area, service desk, and meeting room.

“When developing our strategic plan four years ago, we asked residents to share their thoughts on ways to improve the library,” said Romulus Public Library Director Patty Braden. “There were requests for expanded space, mobile tables and more comfortable seating. When people see what we've done with the space I think they will be pleased to see that their vision has come to life.”

Building improvements include a functional modern service desk with better lighting and a more user-friendly shape, size, and placement along with a new larger public computer area with power and data outlets on the floor for a cleaner space and easier internet access. The library also has expanded meeting room space designed to serve as one large room, or, with a partition, two smaller rooms, now called Community Room 1 and Community Room 2.

There is now a new sink, new countertop, and outlets for patrons to prepare drinks or snacks for their groups along with the new carpeting in the updated sections extending throughout the adult services area. 

New shelving is now compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

McCraight presented Braden with a formal resolution approved by members of the city council declaring Aug. 4 as Library Day in Romulus to applause and cheers from those in attendance.

Renovations were funded through the library budget and taxpayers will not see an increase in taxes to support the funding of the renovations, officials stressed.