Jimmie B. Keel Library Expansion to Begin Before Year Ends

Construction on the expansion of Jimmie B. Keel Library will begin before the end of the year, according to Hillsborough County officials.

"If everything works out, we expect it to be in December," said Swati Bose, manager of Hillsborough County architectural services.

Funding for the $2 million renovation was included in the recently approved Hillsborough County budget. The expansion will include adding 10,000 square feet to the east side of the building, increasing the children's library area and adding a multi-purpose room. A new entrance at the east and north sides of the building would be added, as well, as a new vending area.

The expansion is scheduled to be complete in December 2013.

The 25,000-square-foot library at 2902 W. Bearss Ave. opened in 2001. Plans for the expansion began being discussed last year.

"We talked to the Friends of the Library and the community to find out what they wanted," Bose said.

The library will remain open during most of the construction, which will require that a wall be knocked down.

"We'll put in barriers to keep it safe," Bose said.

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