The Salina Public Library is preparing for one of the most significant facility updates in its recent history, with a full remodel of the Youth Services Department scheduled to begin in January and a grand reopening planned for June 2026. The project, outlined in the Library’s 2026 Annual Plan, will temporarily relocate all youth collections and programming while construction is underway.
According to the plan, Youth Services staff will spend early January moving all materials, shelving, furniture, computers, and program supplies into temporary areas to keep services accessible during construction. Youth programming will continue throughout the remodel period, though events and class sizes may shift depending on available space.
The remodel is expected to modernize the children’s area, improve navigation and sightlines, and create a more functional layout for families and staff. The plan also references reworking spaces for older youth, including directional flow and seating adjustments for teens.
Throughout the six-month project window, staff duties will expand to include unpacking, reorganizing, and resetting the department, with the goal of restoring full operations by mid-year. The library notes that timelines may adjust depending on contractor schedules and construction progress.
A public Grand Re-Opening is tentatively scheduled for June 2026. The event will showcase the newly remodeled Youth Services floor, updated furnishing, revised programming layout, and redesigned teen section.
The Youth Services remodel is one of the library’s highest-priority investments for 2026, aimed at supporting growing demand for early literacy programs, school-age engagement, teen support, and family services. Year-round youth programming, including storytimes, learning activities, and Summer at the Library, will continue uninterrupted during construction, with staff adjusting locations and schedules as needed.
The library will release additional details, including construction schedules, temporary service changes, and reopening plans, as work progresses into early 2026.
