The Three Rivers Public Library announced Friday it will reopen at its new location on Monday, September 21. Although the pandemic will prevent public access inside the new building for the time being, this past summer’s popular curbside service will recommence at that time, and other internet- and home-based programs will begin soon after.

In the reopening announcement, library staff said members of the public will have an opportunity to “start fresh with us” by calling to request for fines to be forgiven during the month of October. Existing due dates for items currently checked out have been moved to September 28. 

Staff invite the public to “sign up to receive emails and up to date information on our programs and services” through the library’s website or its Facebook page. Open hours for the new library will be on Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Work on the former bank building at 88 N. Main St. is wrapping up, and the move from the old facility on West Michigan Avenue is well underway. When the facility reopens, its main parking lot will be located across Pealer Street from the rear entrance, behind the Three Rivers Post Office. A bike rack has also been installed beside the building to the left of the Main Street entrance, facing the Peaceful Rivers Massage studio.

For access to the book drop, a one-way driving path has been designated around the handicap accessible lot directly adjacent to the rear entrance. Parking in that lot has been moved to the center to accommodate that path.

Dave Vago is a writer and columnist for Watershed Voice. A Philadelphia native with roots in Three Rivers, Vago is a planning consultant to history and community development organizations and is the former Executive Director of the Three Rivers DDA/Main Street program.