Drivers Need To Plan Around Sunrise Way Starting July 20 As Palm Springs Library Construction Moves Outside

The Palm Springs Public Library has been under renovation for nearly a year, and the project is now entering a phase that will affect drivers. Library Director Jeannie Kays says the building itself is being reimagined for a growing community.

"We are transforming this library; we're repurposing this space," Kays said. "We are excited to be able to implement private study rooms, little small conference rooms for people to use free of charge. We are going to have a beautiful community room that's double the size, we'll have a team workshop, an adult create room, and a fantabulous children's department."

Library leaders say those upgrades are expected to bring more people through the doors. Kays says that's typical whenever libraries are renovated, reopened, or built new. "It's always an influx of new users, new faces at the library, and we just know that there will be a lot more traffic coming in at the library."

To prepare for that growth, the project is now moving outside. Beginning July 20, crews will start road work on Sunrise Way to build an expanded south parking lot. "This expanded parking lot will allow us to have better traffic flow, more parking spaces, and just a general better access to the library from Sunrise Way," Kays said.

The project also includes a new right-turn-only driveway and a center median meant to improve safety and traffic flow on Sunrise Way. During construction, Sunrise Way between Baristo Road and Camino Parocela will be reduced to a single lane, with intermittent closures running through November 13. Crews will be working 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, and the city is asking drivers to expect delays and consider alternate routes.

As for when the library reopens to the public, there's no firm date yet, though Kays says it's expected sometime next year. Until then, the Palm Springs Public Library continues operating from its temporary location at Rimrock Plaza, 4721 E. Palm Canyon Dr., near Gene Autry Trail and Highway 111. For hours, visit pslibrary.org.