The Oklahoman: OKC Civic Life for Monday Aug. 24

Belle Isle Library renovation begins

The $5.5 million renovation of the Belle Isle Library, opened in 1963, is expected to be completed by early 2022.

A modern structure will wrap around the original mid-century modern exterior, preserving the iconic look nicknamed “Millennium Falcon” or “Starship Enterprise."

The library, 5501 N Villa Ave., will be about 10,000 square feet bigger when the renovation and expansion is finished, creating room for a much larger meeting area, study rooms, children’s programming space, a dedicated area for teenagers and a studio “makerspace.”

The new library will have new furniture, new computers and more parking. Bright colors, floor-to-ceiling windows in some spaces and modern materials will make use of natural light to freshen the library’s look and feel.

During construction, the library is operating from a temporary facility at 3621 Northwest Expressway.

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