501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
Work at Williams
April 1, 2024
So much progress has been made at Williams Library recently! So much so that it’s almost time to reopen. Check out the progress photos below. The bright orange crosswalk has been painted and leads from Dunbar Middle School to the new entrance. Bright colors are splashed across the walls, creating a fun and inviting space. The new loft for employees is just about ready to go, and the kid’s area is coming together nicely. The community room has been expanded to include a full demonstration kitchen and has access to the courtyard.
We’re getting ready to celebrate and we would love to have you attend one of our three events!
Join us on Thursday, April 18, from 6:30-9 p.m. for a Family Dinner Night. This event is ticketed – $75 per person, but in addition to the first look at the space, guests will be treated to dinner from local restaurants, including Afrobites, Community Bakery, El Sur, H.O.M.E Vegan, Mockingbird bar & taco, and K. Hall & Sons. While you mill around the space sampling food, enjoy the sounds of Bijoux and the Central High Jazz Band. You can purchase tickets here.
On Friday, April 19, at 9 a.m., Williams Library will officially reopen with a ribbon cutting! Join us as key individuals from CALS and Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. speak. After the ceremony, library services will be completely up and running.
On Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., join us for a free neighborhood block party! There will be entertainment, demonstrations, tours, and food from H.O.M.E Vegan and Mr. Keith’s Kettlecorn.
Find all the details for these events here: https://cals.org/williams-grand-reopening
March 4, 2024
The changes keep coming! See what the library looks like now.
February 5, 2024
We met up with AMR Architects Kate East and James Sullivan to talk about what’s been happening at Williams. We’ve been discussing how the front door is moving, but this video helps give you a better idea of what that will look like. We also got to see how the new community kitchen looks from the courtyard. Additionally, we got to look at the added loft space that will be for staff use without taking away any of the square footage for patrons. Overall, the project is on track and humming along (as you can hear in the background, we couldn’t bear to stop the workers while we filmed); watch the full video below.
January 18, 2024
December 11, 2023
The demolition at Williams is off to an amazing start! The building has been almost completely stripped down to the bare bones in preparation to be rebuilt soon. The flooring has been removed, as well as the bathroom fixtures, and even some sections of the ceiling. The photos speak for themselves. Check out the work that has been done so far. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the new and improved Williams Library.
We are so excited to see the progress so far. Because we have the luxury of being right next door, every day there’s something new. Now that the demo is done, we’re even more excited to see the reconstruction. The project is going as planned and Williams is still on schedule! – Latina Sheard, Williams Branch Manager
November 20, 2023
The staff has been hard at work unloading the portions of the building that will undergo large renovations and have removed items from the building that can’t be easily moved as the work happens.
October 31, 2023
Williams Library is set to close this Friday, November 3, at 6 p.m. until the renovations are complete. Below is a rendering that shows the position of the new entrance (what is now the “back” of the library where the book drop is located) as well as what that entrance will look like from the outside.
September 27, 2023
We have spent a lot of time talking about the renovations at Main Library but that’s not the only branch getting a makeover this year. Sue Cowan Williams Library is also set to undergo improvements this fall. While plans are still in progress, the library will close to the public on November 3, and remain closed for approximately four to six months. It’s important to note that this coincides with Main’s closure, so we encourage any Williams patrons who need assistance during that period to reach out to “Mini Main” in the Roberts Library or Children’s Library as those are the two closest branches.
Now, onto the exciting part – the renovations at the Sue Cowan Williams Library will be comprehensive, though not as extensive as those at the Main. CALS will be adding a demonstration kitchen for the community, adding a new dedicated teen area, and updating the public restrooms. The interior will get an upgrade, including new flooring and a fresh coat of paint, and the staff office space will be expanded (with a mezzanine). However, the biggest change is the relocation of the main entrance to the west side of the building facing Dunbar Middle School.
The LRSD has agreed to accommodate our work with students in the neighborhood by giving us rent-free use of three empty classrooms at Dunbar Middle School where we will be able to continue offering after-school programs. This space will be available only on days when school is in session. Hours are 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Fridays.
We will continue to update the public, specifically those who use Williams as their home branch, as details become available.
