The Murrysville Community Library staff is looking to get some books off the shelf before undergoing a massive renovation next month.

Using a $400,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, the library will undergo renovation over the winter. While it will remain open during the construction, the staff is encouraging visitors to come fill a bag with books that they won’t need to return until March.

“We’re inviting all our patrons to visit the library Dec. 17-20 to borrow a bag’s worth of adult and teen materials,” said Director Kat Neidig. “We’ll give them a free Murrysville tote bag (while supplies last) to carry them, and they’ll receive an extended due date of March 2026.”

Neidig said the “Lighten the Shelves” initiative will help contractors relocate the library’s collection more easily.

Though the library will remain open, the adult section will be closed to the public.

“We’re replacing carpeting, updating furnishings and beginning to install new quiet study rooms and improved broadband-enabled spaces,” Neidig said. “The rest of the library will be open, but we ask for patience as we reschedule and find new locations for some of our regular programming.”

Library staff will be available throughout the renovation to help patrons place book holds, find relocated library programs and navigate temporary changes.

The grant program’s larger aim is to enhance public libraries’ existing function as a community hub, offering high-speed internet service for patrons who may not have it at home.

Library staff surveyed patrons as they were developing the grant application to determine renovation priorities.

“This project is a major investment in the future of Murrysville, ensuring the library remains a welcoming, modern hub for learning, creativity and connection,” Neidig said.

Work on the renovation will begin in January.

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