Bertram Woods Branch Renovations FAQ
August, 2023
After months of renovation, the reopening of Bertram Woods is on the horizon! Our customers have been patiently waiting for the new and improved branch, and we’re thrilled to announce the renovations are complete (save for a new parking lot, which is scheduled to go in in a few weeks).
The project wrapped up on budget and on schedule, and move-in begins next week! We are still on track to open in early October.
Here are a few highlights of the new building we’re eager to share with you:
- Crisp, clean information and checkout desks and a wood paneled entryway ceiling.
- Two new study rooms that can be used by appointment.
- A new skylight and beautiful wall art in the nature-themed children’s area.
- Refurbished restrooms.
- An updated workroom for staff to process materials.
Of course, some of the things we’ve always loved about the building will remain the same.
- High ceilings and big windows that let in the light are still a key feature – but now with new paint and carpet, the space feels even brighter.
- Our Bertram Woods Community Room has gotten a facelift and now features presentation and videoconferencing capabilities.
- Little touches throughout the building (like exposed brick at the entrance, and the window seat in the children’s area) still help the space feel like home.
Thanks everyone for your patience and for cheering us on as we enter the homestretch!
April, 2023
Things are progressing at the Bertram Woods Branch. Rough-in started which includes new electrical, HVAC, and reframing a few walls. The building looks like an empty shell for now, but very soon we will be able to see our library come back to life.
February, 2023
“The Excitement’s on the Inside.” Walls and flooring have been removed in the process of updating the Branch. Progress is being made and there have been no big surprises. We continue to be on track for a late fall 2023 re-opening.
December, 2022
Bertram Woods Branch will close Sunday, January 1, 2023, and will remain closed throughout the renovation. The Book Drop will also be closed. Readers who have reserved books, music, or movies will be able to pick them up through December 31; after that time, their requests will be available for pick up from the Main Library. It is anticipated that the branch will reopen in mid-October, 2023; however, long lead times for material or other issues could delay project completion. The library encourages the community to use the Main Library and discover all that it has to offer – and where they can connect with familiar staff from Bertram Woods Branch.
November, 2022
The Library Board approved the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) so the next steps in construction can begin when the Woods Branch closes on Sunday, January 1, 2023. The Branch will remain closed throughout the renovation project. It is anticipated that the branch will reopen mid-October, 2023; however, long lead times for material or other issues could delay project completion.
October, 2022
The Building Committee met on October 26 to review the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), which will be approved at a special board meeting in November so next steps in construction can begin. Turner will focus on submittals, approving bid packages, releasing work, ordering material and requests for information (RFIs) from the design team. Mr. Riachi and Mr. Kellogg from Turner believe that completing that work prior to construction will allow the actual construction schedule to be shortened by approximately a month.
September, 2022
Design has been completed for the Bertram Woods Branch project. Construction drawings and documents have been released to Turner Construction so they can obtain bids, which are due in October. The Building Committee will meet October 26 to review the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).
July/August, 2022
Architects continue to work on the redesign plans for Bertram Woods Branch.
June 27, 2022: Initial Bertram Woods Design Shared
Bialosky Cleveland architects presented the Bertram Woods Design to the Library Board at its June 27 meeting. 
April 2022: Design for Bertram Woods Branch Renovation Begins
Bialosky Cleveland architect began the design process in April. Design is scheduled to take six months. Construction will take approximately nine months and Bertram Woods Branch will be closed during construction. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2023.
March 21, 2022: Board Unanimously Approves Bertram Woods Branch Renovation
At its March 21, 2022 meeting, the Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to move forward with the renovation of the Bertram Woods Branch. The architect for the project is Bialosky Cleveland and Turner Construction is the construction manager at risk. Read Press Release.
