Pardon Our Dust!
Construction is happening in and around the Downtown Library and at the Library! at Cole and Ustick
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, as well as updates for the Library! at Cole and Ustick. 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.
Exciting Upgrade Coming to the Library! at Cole and Ustick
This summer, we’re enhancing your Library! at Cole and Ustick experience with the addition of an automatic book sorter—a state-of-the-art machine that will help us check in returned items more efficiently. With this new system, our staff will have more time to assist you and provide personalized support.
To make room for this upgrade, we’ll be remodeling part of the Cole and Ustick building, which requires temporarily closing the 24-hour book drop at the back of the Library for about one month. But don’t worry—a temporary 24-hour book return will be available at the front of the building, so you can continue to return items at your convenience. See the FAQs for more information on the 24-hour book drop options.
Once the installation is complete, the 24-hour book drop will reopen in its usual location at the back of the building.
Thank you for your patience as we improve the Library! at Cole and Ustick.
Cole and Ustick FAQ
The Library! at Cole and Ustick is preparing to install a new 24-hour book drop (also known as an automatic book sorter). This system will streamline the check-in process for all Library materials, giving our amazing staff more time to answer questions, plan and lead programs, and engage one-on-one with our wonderful Library users.
Yes! The sorter is being added to a staff workroom, so it should not disrupt usage of the Library. The 24-hour book drop will be closed once construction starts. Keep an eye on this website for exact construction dates and the most updated information.
There is a book drop inside the Library! at Cole and Ustick where you can return your books during open hours. We are also working on securing an outdoor 24-hour book drop option and we will update this website once we more details.
The construction will have minimal impact on your Library experience. The main change will be a temporary relocation of the 24-hour book drop. Clear signage will be posted to help you easily find the temporary return location during this time.
We expect construction to take approximately one month. Once complete, the materials return will move back to its usual location at the back of the Library. However, as with any construction project, timelines may shift. Please check this website regularly for the most current updates.
Yes. All programs, operating hours, and Library services will continue as usual during construction.
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.
Important and Exciting Upgrades Coming Soon to the Downtown Library!
The Downtown Library will be going through an exciting renovation of the entire first floor beginning in September 2025. The changes will not only improve accessibility, 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.
Downtown Library FAQ
We are updating the first floor of 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.
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 catalog.
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.
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.
Construction Around the Downtown Library
Construction on Capitol Blvd. and on the Greenbelt near the Downtown Library continues for now, creating a beautiful and more accessible exterior environment around the Downtown Library. For the most recent updates on those projects, which are managed by the CCDC and Boise Parks and Recreation, respectively, learn more here: