West Biloxi Library reopens after undergoing renovations

The City of Biloxi hosted a ribbon cutting on Monday after a major renovation at the West Biloxi Library.

The library is the busiest of all four libraries. The renovation project included a new H-VAC system, carpet, and paint.

The H-VAC had not been replaced since 1968 and Library Director Sarah Crisler-Ruskey said the library would get extremely uncomfortable at times. The library would have to close due to the weather.

The children’s section is still under construction, the reading area for them is open, but not the activity area.

The library staff helped with the project by moving more than 30,000 books and painting the interior walls. “We got a brand-new HVAC system. We’ve been having trouble having closures due to it being too hot or too cold, and not having the system up and running – since pre-Katrina. So, that was a big improvement for the library. It’s always hard when you’re not sure if it’s going to be too cold or too hot, for the patrons and the staff, and so it’s definitely going to make a big difference for everyone and make sure we stay open. Because it’s a really busy branch. It’s one of the busiest ones in the city, and it’s right on Pass Road. The bus stop is there. And so, we really want to have that key hub location up and running.”