Honoring 150 Years of Service to Our Community

Library Refresh Project

As Eaton Rapids Area District Library enters its 150th year of service, we are investing in the care and upkeep of the building that has supported generations of learning, connection, and community. In 2026, the Library will complete a $270,000 building refresh focused on comfort, functionality, and long-term stewardship of this community asset.

This project allows us to make several much-needed updates using funds that were responsibly saved for capital improvements—without new taxes and without impacting day-to-day library services.

A simple illustration of a yellow wheelbarrow filled with a mound of dirt or sand, viewed from the side, with a single front wheel and two handles.

Construction & Building
$200,000

– Carpet & Flooring
– Paint
-Walls and Offices
-Electrical, Lighting, HVAC updates
Yellow construction hard hat and safety goggles icon, representing safety equipment for construction or industrial work.

Total Budget
$270,000

The funds for this refresh come from money that has been set aside over time. The Library determined that using these already-saved capital funds for a modest refresh was the most responsible way to invest in the building at this time.
Illustration of a yellow and brown surveyor’s tripod with a mounted camera or measuring instrument, shown against a plain background.

Furniture & Seating
$70,000

-Patron Seating
-Staff Workstations
-Circulation & work surfaces

Library Reopening & Ongoing Construction

Final Phase

As we near the finish line of our Library Refresh Project, the Eaton Rapids Area District Library will be temporarily CLOSED to the public June 1–7 to complete final inspections, transition work, and setup of our refreshed spaces.

Our goal is to reopen as early as Thursday, June 4; however, we are communicating closure through June 7 to allow flexibility should any final adjustments or inspection items need to be addressed.

During this closure week, library staff will be:
-Completing final setup of public and staff areas
-Moving into newly completed office and workspace areas
-Organizing collections and service desks
-Finalizing technology and network systems
-Completing walkthroughs and inspections with the construction team and architect

This final phase represents a major milestone in our 150th Anniversary Library Refresh Project. Updates throughout the building include:
-New flooring
-New paint
-Updated seating and patron spaces
-A new circulation area
-Staff workspace and office improvements

Please note:
-The library building will not be open to the public during this time
-We encourage patrons to watch our website and social media for reopening updates

We know closures and construction have required flexibility and patience from our community, and we sincerely appreciate the support we have received throughout this project.

We are excited to soon welcome everyone back into a refreshed, improved, and more functional library space as we continue celebrating 150 years of service to the Eaton Rapids community.

Interior of a library with shelves of books, computer stations, and a service desk. A sign with information stands near the entrance, and there are tables and chairs arranged throughout the space. Ceiling lights illuminate the area.

Our Proud

150 Years of Service to You

For 150 years, the Eaton Rapids Area District Library has been a cornerstone of the community. Maintaining the building that houses this service is an essential part of honoring that legacy.

Small, strategic improvements help ensure the library remains welcoming and functional for years to come.

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Library Visits in 2025

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Patrons in our service area

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Items circulated in 2025

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Attendees at library programs

Beat the Bank – Fundraising Challenge for Our 150th Anniversary Refresh Project written in bold white and light green text on a dark blue background with abstract circular dotted patterns.

Beat the Bank Campaign

As part of our 150th Anniversary Library Refresh, the Eaton Rapids Area District Library has launched a special community fundraising effort called “Beat the Bank.” Each month, the library earns approximately $2,000–$3,000 in interest from its investment accounts. This campaign challenges our community to see if we can raise even more than that in a single month.

Our goal is to raise $30,000 by the end of May to help complete the final elements of the refresh project, including a new lounge area for patrons, a dedicated staff breakroom, updated lighting, new security lighting, ceiling tile replacement, and other finishing improvements that will make the library more comfortable and welcoming for everyone.

Every donation helps us finish this project strong as we celebrate 150 years of library service. Click below to learn more about the campaign and how you can help us Beat the Bank.
Learn more

What This Project is – and What It Is Not

This project is:

  • A building refresh, not a full renovation
  • A responsible use of saved capital funds
  • Focused on comfort, functionality, and upkeep
  • Part of celebrating 150 years of library service
  • Improvement to comfort and accessibility for patrons
  • A way to create inviting, functional spaces for reading, studying, and gathering
  • A way to support staff efficiency and well-being, which directly benefits public service
  • A way to preserve and care for a well-used public building

This project is not:

  • A replacement for a full renovation or expansion
  • The end of long-term facility planning
  • A new bond, millage, or tax increase
  • New taxes being levied
  • Using operating funds
  • This project does not impact library programming or materials budgets

Project Overview

What’s included in the refresh:
New carpet throughout select areas
Fresh paint to brighten and modernize spaces
Additional and updated seating for patrons
Updated staff areas, including: A shared staff workspace
A breakroom
A private office
No new taxes are being levied
No operating funds are being used
This project does not impact library programming or materials budgets

These improvements are designed to create a more welcoming environment for patrons while ensuring staff have the space and tools needed to support the community effectively.

Below are images of our current first floor space

Interior of a library with shelves of books, computer stations, and a service desk. A sign with information stands near the entrance, and there are tables and chairs arranged throughout the space. Ceiling lights illuminate the area.
A bright library interior with bookshelves filled with colorful books. There are several computer stations with chairs and a table with chairs in the center. Large windows let in natural light, and a mural decorates one wall.
A spacious library interior featuring bookshelves, several seating areas with tables and chairs, and a carpeted floor. Natural light streams in from large windows in the background.
A cluttered office space filled with boxes, electronics, and various supplies. Shelves and tables are stacked with items, and there are office chairs, printers, and papers throughout the room. The ceiling has fluorescent lights.
A cluttered office space filled with desks, shelves, and various office supplies. Boxes and papers are stacked on shelving units and tables. A printer is visible in the foreground, and fluorescent lights illuminate the room.
A cluttered office space with shelves full of books and files, two desks with computers, and various boxes and office supplies scattered around. A blue curtain is partially drawn across the back, dividing the room.

Transparency is our main priority

What are you looking for?

To ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility, and competitive pricing, the Eaton Rapids Area District Library is utilizing a competitive bidding process for the Library Refresh Project.

The Library has invited bids from qualified local and regional contractors, including:

  • Laux Construction
  • Mercer
  • Phillips Building and Remodeling

Bid requests are projected to be issued by February 23, with a bid submission deadline of March 12. All bids will be reviewed to ensure they meet project specifications, budget requirements, and scheduling needs.

Contractor selection will be based on a combination of factors, including cost, experience, and the ability to complete the work within the project timeline. This process helps ensure the Library is making responsible use of capital funds while delivering quality improvements for the community.

Update: March 12th Laux Construction was selected for the project by the Facilities Committee. Construction set to begin March 30th.

To help assist with moving expenses, accessibility, and full completion of the refresh, we are asking for further donations with the goal of $24,016.

Work on the refresh will be scheduled to minimize disruption to library services as much as possible. Some areas of the building may be temporarily unavailable during portions of the project and we will have to shut down for a few weeks while new carpet is being installed.

We will continue to share updates regarding:

Phase 1: Begins March 30th
-please note this date was selected by the Construction Company. The library does not get to choose the start date.
-we will be closed to public during this time.

Phase 2: Begins April 22nd.
-library will reopen with limited services

Project is set to be completed by June 1st

June 1-7th Final phase begins as we transition back to our regular operational hours and services

June 8th library reopens at full capacity and services

Phase 1 begins March 30th – April 22nd (end date is subject to change).
-South building work
-New carpet
-Wall painting and drywall work

Phase 2 begins April 22nd
-North building work
-Staff offices and circulation desk
-Paint and wall repairs
-Staff work area

Final Phase begins June 1st
-June 1-7 library will be closed
-Final inspections
-Clearing temporary workspaces
-Moving staff into their workspace
-Setting up networking
-Setting up circulation desk
-Preparing public space for full operation