Improvements scheduled at the Jackson-Madison County Library system’s main library in downtown Jackson will temporarily alter its operating hours and services from Jan. 21 until Feb. 2 as new shelving and flooring is installed.

During this period, the library will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon. through Fri. and will be closed on Saturdays. The library will also be closed on Jan. 21 in observance of Martin Luther King Day. The North Branch, located at 8 Stonebridge Blvd. next to China Pan Buffet will operate during its normal business hours.

The installation of new shelving and flooring will require library staff to move its entire collection of fiction, nonfiction, reference books and DVDs. There will not be patron access to the shelving, seating areas, computer lab, the Tennessee Room, the Teen Room or the Children’s Library and most regularly scheduled meetings and events will be cancelled. The entrance on Lafayette St. will also be closed but patrons will be able to enter the building through the doors located off College St.

“Given the magnitude of the project, most of our space will be used to stage the books as we shift our entire collection,” said Dinah Harris, library director. “We realize that there are many people who rely on our library for essential services, in addition to checking out materials. For that reason, we will make every effort to assist patrons but we will need the public’s patience as we try to fulfill those needs. Ultimately, these improvements will enhance patron access to our collection and will create a friendly and welcoming environment for the community to enjoy.”

Without ready access to library materials, patrons will need to place all items on hold during this time; requests will not be fulfilled on the same day. Hold requests can be made in person, by phone or by logging onto the library’s website at www.jmclibrary.org from the patron account portal. Items can be picked up from the Main Library or the North Branch and materials can continue to be returned to both locations. The library encourages patrons to make sure that their contact information is current for pick up notifications and that patrons know their account PIN numbers if placing online hold requests. The library further encourages patrons to explore its vast collection of e-books and e-audiobooks available online or through the Overdrive or Libby apps.

Patrons will also be able to use the library’s faxing and printing services and two computers will be set up to allow patrons to access essential services such as applying for jobs or connecting with government agencies.

The Jackson-Madison County Library is located at 433 E. Lafayette St. in downtown Jackson. For more information, contact the Library at 731-425-8600, visit the Library’s Facebook page or its website at JMCLibrary.org.