Temporary library location in west Wichita will be very different. Here are the changes
The Wichita Public Library’s Westlink branch, located at 8515 Bekemeyer, will soon move to a new location while the building undergoes renovations expected to last at least a year.
The library will close at the end of the day Saturday, May 6 to move to the new location, according to the library’s website. The temporary location, about a mile away at 7011 W. Central, Suite 205, is expected to open Monday, May 22.
So, where should you send and pick up your hold requests during the two weeks the branch is closed? Here’s what library patrons should know about the move.
Changes to material holds for Westlink
Starting Monday, April 11, new hold requests will not be accepted by the Westlink branch.
Requests made before then will be filled at the branch through Thursday, April 27, with the last day to pick up holds Friday, May 5. After that day, all holds not picked up will be moved to the temporary location and available for pick up the day of opening.
In the meantime, the library says you can request to pick up your holds at another location.
Returning materials to Westlink
After the branch’s temporary closure May 6, you can begin to return books to the temporary location. You can also return them at any of the Wichita Public Library locations, as usual.
The other locations are:
- Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. Second St.
- Alford Branch, 3447 S. Meridian
- Angelou Northeast Branch, 3051 E. 21st St.
- Evergreen Community Center and Library, 2601 N. Arkansas
- Rockwell Branch, 5939 E. Ninth St.
- Walters Branch, 4195 E. Harry
What materials, programs will be available at the temporary location?
The temporary location will have a small browsing section and other services, like photocopying, library card registration and Wi-Fi. The location will also have a drop-off box to return books.
Library programming, like story times, will not be provided at the temporary location because of the smaller space, a library official said this week. There will also be no furniture or areas to study, so people will have to go to other locations if they wish to take advantage of study space.
Designated staff will continue working at the temporary location, and the remaining staff members will work at other locations that are expected to get busier due to Westlink’s move, according to Sean Jones, Westlink’s communications specialist.
The branch’s remodel will include an expansion to include new meeting rooms, a drive-up window, study spaces and more. The library’s website says more specific details about the remodel will be released at a later date.
