Library Construction Updates
Welcome to the Boise Public Library’s Construction web page, a way for us to keep you informed of the exciting updates we are making to the first floor of the Downtown Library. We are excited about the improvements we will be bringing to you, our community, expanding access and opportunities for all! Check back frequently as we will be updating this web page as plans progress.
Upcoming Downtown Library Closure
The Downtown Library will be closed from Sunday, May 3 through Sunday, May 10. All other Boise Public Library locations will remain open during this time.
The closure is part of an exciting renovation of the entire first floor of the Downtown Library, which began in September 2025. The changes will not only improve accessibility for Library users, but it will also allow us to make needed maintenance updates. The new space will also be a much more modern, flexible, and welcoming space to better serve our community, especially youth and families, who make up a significant portion of the Library’s daily users.
For the latest program information, visit the Library Calendar.
Downtown Library Closure FAQ
The Downtown Library will reopen on Monday, May 11. Construction will still be underway on the 1st floor, with public access limited to the 2nd and 3rd floors. The 1st floor is expected to reopen in fall 2026.
The closure is part of the first-floor remodel project. During this time, our contractor will switch the building’s electrical systems from the old equipment to a new system. This work requires shutting down power to the building, so the Downtown Library cannot safely operate.
The remodel will:
- Improve ADA accessibility
- Address needed building maintenance
- Create modern, flexible spaces for the community
- It will also expand and improve areas for youth and families.
All other Boise Public Library locations will be open their regular hours and ready to help. You can also access digital resources—including ebooks, audiobooks, streaming services, and databases—online anytime.
Yes. Downtown holds will be available for pickup at Boise City Hall during the closure week.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Staff can help direct you to the pickup location.
Since the building will not have power, staff will not be onsite. Most Downtown Library staff will be working at other Library locations or City facilities, helping provide services across the system during the closure.
Ongoing Downtown Library Construction FAQ
We are updating the Downtown Library to make it a safe and welcoming building for everyone in our community. We are upgrading the electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling systems, and adding family restrooms in Youth Services. We are also making changes in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Yes! Although the first floor will be closed, the Second and Third Floors will remain open and accessible to the public.
Construction on the first floor of the Downtown Library is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and is expected to last 9–12 months. As with all construction projects, this timeline is subject to change.
Yes! We have made every effort to keep as much of the collection available for browsing as possible. Due to space limitations, some materials will not be on public shelves but will still be accessible through our hold and curbside services. For a complete list of available materials, please visit our website.
Yes! Tree City Books has moved to its new location at 775 W. Fulton Street, just one block north of the Downtown Library. For more information, visit Friends of the Boise Public Library.
No. The Library's hours will remain the same throughout the construction period.
Absolutely! While the first floor is closed, the Children’s Area will be temporarily relocated to the Third Floor. Although the space will be smaller, it will still feature books, play areas, and opportunities for children to explore and learn.
Yes, we plan to continue to offer programming. Due to construction limitations, most programming will be located outside of the Downtown Library. We are working with our community partners to find programming spaces that are close to the Downtown Library, and we are also excited to try some new locations for programming. We encourage those of you who want to attend a Library program to check our website before attending, as we will keep that site updated if there are any changes to the programming schedule or location. In fact, it is a good idea to check our website regularly, as we hope to be able to add new programming throughout construction and will list those new programs there.
While the main elevator will be closed as part of the First Floor construction work, we have a second elevator and stairway that will be open so that all Library users can access the Second and Third Floors. The elevator is just off the entrance to the right when you walk through the first set of double doors to enter the Library. It is currently not open to the public but will be open when the First Floor is closed for renovation. There will be plenty of signage to help you easily find the elevator and stairs. We will also have signage to help you find the books, computers and services you are looking for. You can always ask one of our amazing staff members if you need help finding anything, too!
Yes. Learning Lab is still offering classes. More information can be found on their website.
No. The universal changing table is on the first floor of the Library, and the first floor is closed to the public during the construction period.
We will regularly update this Library Construction website with the latest news, timelines, and important information. We encourage you to visit this page frequently to stay up-to-date. We will also share information through the Library’s newsletter and encourage you to sign up for the newsletter here.