As part of our Master Facilities Plan, the interior of EVPL McCollough will be receiving a makeover in order to help fulfill EVPL’s Mission and Vision. To support the renovation, EVPL McCollough will close to the public beginning Tuesday, August 1, 2023. A temporary location with most library services will open soon after at Washington Square.
Construction and renovations are estimated to take less than a year, with an anticipated reopening date of mid-2024.
Renovation Plans
Several updates are coming to EVPL McCollough!
- The Children’s Area is being updated, including the addition of an Activity Room
- Lighting is being updated throughout the build
- The Meeting Room will be moved and upgraded
- A new Sensory Room
- New furniture throughout the building
- Four new Study Rooms
FAQs
Why is renovation happening at EVPL McCollough?
EVPL McCollough is the oldest of our Regional Locations. In our Master Facilities Plan, it was concluded that an update to the building could redistribute interior space to further expand the Children’s Collection, add to public services with updated technology and infrastructure, and relocate the large meeting room to a more public zone of the building. These updates will allow EVPL McCollough, and the EVPL system, to support and serve all people, establish an equitable space, and strengthen our ability to cultivate curiosity by creating wonder.
When is EVPL McCollough closing and when will it reopen?
EVPL McCollough will close to the public beginning Tuesday, August 1, 2023. A temporary location with most library services will open shortly after at Washington Square.
With construction estimated to take less than a year, it is anticipated that EVPL McCollough will reopen in mid-2024.
How much will the renovation cost?
The anticipated total project cost is $4 million and is being funded by a bond issuance, which was approved by the Library Board and the Evansville City Council in 2022. The bond issuance keeps the library’s debt service tax rate neutral.
Where can I access library services while EVPL McCollough is closed?
Shortly after the EVPL McCollough building is closed, most services will be available at our temporary location inside Washington Square, which is .3 miles away. More details about the services, programs, and collection available at Washington Square – McCollough will be announced soon.
When Washington Square – McCollough is operating, it will be located at:
1108 Washington Square Mall
Evansville, Indiana 47715
UPDATE September 13, 2023: Our temporary location inside Washington Square Mall is now open! Hours of Washington Square – McCollough are:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Materials can be returned to a book drop installed outside the location.
Info to know:
- Our Summer: Begin Your Journey, our annual summer reading celebration, will conclude on Monday, July 31. You can visit EVPL McCollough through the end of the program to return your log and register to win prizes.
- Library users will not be able to place holds to be picked up at EVPL McCollough beginning Monday, July 24. Holds that come in for EVPL McCollough between Monday, July 31 and Friday, August 18, will be moved to a pickup location of EVPL Central.
- EVPL McCollough’s book drops will be closed and locked when the building closes on Tuesday, August 1.
- About 45% of EVPL McCollough’s collection will be available at our temporary space. The collection was selected based on circulation rate and publishing date. The rest will go to long storage.
The closest EVPL locations to access all library services are EVPL East and EVPL Central.
Who designed the renovation plan and who is doing the construction work?
The final Master Facilities plan report was created by MKM architecture + design. The final Master Facilities plan can be viewed here. This comprehensive report provides recommendations for facilities improvements and expansion to ensure EVPL and our facilities continue to support the wants, needs, and aspirations of our community into the future.
After a public bidding process, it was decided that the construction will be done by Danco Construction, Inc.
What amenities are coming to the building?
In addition to updated lighting, new furniture, and a more efficient HVAC system, there will be several exciting upgrades in the updated EVPL McCollough.
- The Children’s Area is being updated, including the addition of an Activity Room
- The Meeting Room will be moved and upgraded
- A new Sensory Room
- Four new Study Rooms
Where can I find updates on the construction?
Right here! We will have frequent updates on the renovation process, services at Washington Square – McCollough, and everything you need to know on our website, social media, and printed and digital newsletters.
McCollough Library History
The McCollough Library building was opened on July 13, 1965, and underwent renovations in 1996 and 2006. Over the years, this location has provided programs, materials, and offerings to hundreds of thousands of patrons of all ages. The library is named after Ethel McCollough, who was Evansville’s first professional librarian. She joined EVPL in 1912 and served as the leader of Evansville’s libraries until her retirement in 1947.
McCollough Renovation Updates
Throughout the construction process, you’ll find updates here.
Update 5 • September 13, 2023
Our temporary location inside Washington Square is now open! Stop by to browse our collection, enjoy a program, utilize our public computers, and more.
Take a look at the location
Update 4 • September 7, 2023
We can’t wait to open our temporary location inside Washington Square and welcome back our library users.
However, we are still waiting for an internet connection from our internet service provider. Without internet, we are unable to provide public computers, scan/copy/fax access, or even check out materials. Short-term solution attempts with hot spots were not successful.
We want to thank everyone for your continued patience! We are looking forward to connecting, discovering, and exploring with you soon.
Update 3 • August 22, 2023
Renovation work has begun at EVPL McCollough, beginning with some demo.
Update 2 • August 16, 2023
Books, movies, CDs, and more are being shelved at our temporary location inside Washington Square. This space will open soon with most library services.
Update 1 • August 1, 2023
Books, movies, music, and more are coming off the shelves and being boxed away! EVPL McCollough is officially closed and being prepared for significant renovations.
Items are being moved to a temporary location inside Washington Square which will open soon.
