MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BIG PINE KEY BRANCH TO RECEIVE REPAIRS AND REFURBISHMENT

​BIG PINE KEY, FL - The Monroe County Public Library Big Pine Key branch will close temporarily starting Monday, April 10, for repairs and refurbishment, with plans to reopen tentatively the week of May 22. The 213 Key Deer Blvd. branch in the Winn-Dixie Shopping Plaza will get new floors, paint, shelving, and furnishings. The work was scheduled between Easter and the start of summer break to have the least impact on the community.
 
“We regret that we have to close the branch temporarily; however, once completed, the community will have a beautiful and updated facility,” said Kimberly Matthews, Monroe County Public Library director. 
 
The Monroe County permitting office that was operating from the library branch will also close and will reopen next to the UPS Store and new senior center, with a tentative May timeframe. Until the new permitting office is open, offices are available in Marathon or Stock Island, or visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/permitting for online permitting. 
 
All Monroe County Public Library patrons can use any branch, including those in Marathon and Key West, as well as the Lending Machine and pick-up locker at Bernstein Park on Stock Island. In addition, cardholders can get eBooks, eAudiobooks, and streaming films via the library website at any time. Materials checked out from the Big Pine branch will have the due dates moved to after the library reopens — and the Monroe County Public Library does not charge overdue fines. Book drops are open at other branches for those leaving for the season who want to return library materials. Patrons can also return materials at the Lending Machine at Bernstein Park on Stock Island. Books and DVDs from the Big Pine Key branch will not be available for request until the branch reopens.
 
“I’m very excited about the opportunity to spruce up our library,” said Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln, whose district office is in the same complex as the Big Pine Key branch. “This will greatly benefit everyone who likes to come in there, whether it’s children and families or our seniors.” 
 
For more information on Monroe County Public Library services, visit www.keyslibraries.org or email [email protected]. For updates on the reopening, follow the Big Pine Key Public Library Branch on Facebook.