North Albany Branch Undergoing Renovation
Albany Public Library’s North Albany Branch is undergoing a renovation that will add space and amenities to the smallest location in the seven-branch district. Once complete, the North Albany Branch will have a new program room, small meeting room, staff workroom, two bathrooms, and dedicated entrance.
The library branch is closed during the renovation project and is expected to reopen in early 2022.
The North Albany Branch of APL is a small satellite location at 616 North Pearl St., which formerly housed the North Albany YMCA and is now owned by the City School District of Albany. The school district is in the midst of a massive construction and renovation project to turn 616 North Pearl St. and 570 North Pearl St., previously an elementary school building, into the expanded North Albany Middle School.
Prior to the renovation, the library branch had to share an entrance and bathrooms with the YMCA. The project provides much-needed autonomy and safety for patrons with a separate exterior entrance and bathrooms that are within the library space. The library’s Board of Trustees approved a capital expenditure of $50,000 to purchase shelving and furniture for the expanded and updated branch.
“The North Albany Branch has been the ‘little library that could’ since 2005 when it opened in a small wing of the YMCA. We are thrilled that the library space is being renovated, slightly expanded, and adding amenities thanks to the City School District of Albany’s construction project,” said APL Executive Director Scott C. Jarzombek.
“In just about six months, we’ll be welcoming patrons back into the branch to enjoy a dedicated program room, separate entrance and bathrooms, and small meeting room, none of which existed prior to the renovation. The new North Albany Branch will be more comfortable, accommodating, and useful to everyone who visits,” he said.
Stephanie Simon
Stephanie Simon is manager of APL's Communication and Creative Services Department, which provides content and information for the library's website, social media, publications, videos, podcasts, and other outlets. Stephanie also manages APL's public relations and marketing efforts.