Building Projects And Maintenance
Alvar Library
August 11 update: The PO was issued for HVAC troubleshooting and repairs.
August 5 update: Alvar Library is temporarily closed due to HVAC issues.
During the closure, items on hold at Alvar Library were sent to Main Library (219 Loyola Avenue). You may also request to have them sent to another location for pick-up by logging into your Library account or by calling any location. Library materials may not be returned to Alvar Library during this closure. Materials can be returned to any other Library location.
The nearest Library locations are as follows:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library – 1611 Fats Domino Avenue
Main Library – 219 Loyola Avenue
Norman Mayer Library – 3001 Gentilly Boulevard
August 4 update: Alvar Library was open 10am – 12pm.
August 3 update: Alvar Library closed early on Saturday, August 1. It remains closed due to HVAC issues.
Children’s Resource Center
August 3 update: Internet cabling is complete and security systems are back online. Additional materials will continue to be moved in over the next two weeks.
July 15 update: We are aiming for a September reopening. Additional information will be shared when we finalize the date.
July 9 update: This project is on track. We anticipate a late summer reopening.
April 29, 2025 update: The Children’s Resource Center will close on May 12, 2025, for a significant renovation and will reopen as a dedicated center for early literacy.
Renovations are expected to be completed by summer 2026. During the closure, the Children’s Resource Center will not be available for holds pick-up or returns. The book drop will be closed.
The closest Library locations are Central City Library (2020 Jackson Avenue, Suite 139) and Nix Library (1401 S. Carrollton Avenue).
Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center
August 14 update: We have received the vendor’s service report and await the full diagnostic report for HVAC repairs.
August 3 update: HVAC troubleshooting continues with the vendor. No resolution timeline has been confirmed yet; we’ll share an update once the issue is diagnosed and a fix is scheduled.
July 17 update: We continue to work with our vendor on this project.
July 8 update: Rosa F. Keller Library & Community Center remains closed due to HVAC issues. Our vendor is at the site working on the unit to ensure that we can reopen as soon as possible.
During the closure, items on hold at Keller Library will be sent to Main Library (219 Loyola Avenue). You will receive a notification when items arrive. You may also request to have them sent to another location for pick-up by logging into your Library account or by calling any location. Library materials may not be returned to Keller Library during this closure. Materials can be returned to any other Library location.
July 2 update: Keller Library & Community Center is temporarily closed due to HVAC issues. We are troubleshooting now and expect to have more information following the July 4 holiday.
Nora Navra Library
August 3 update: Needed replacement parts have been ordered. No timeline for arrival yet.
July 17 update: We continue to work with our vendor on this project.
July 9 update: We are awaiting a purchase order number to begin repairs.
July 2 update: The scope of work to repair the HVAC system is greater than what our previous vendor could supply. We selected a new vendor to fix the HVAC, and the repairs are scheduled to be made as soon as possible.
June 22 update: Nora Navra Library remains closed due to HVAC issues. Our vendor is at the site working on the unit to ensure that we can reopen as soon as possible.
During the closure, items on hold at Navra Library will be sent to Norman Mayer Library (3001 Gentilly Boulevard). You may also request to have them sent to another location for pick-up by logging into your Library account or by calling any location. Library materials may not be returned to Nora Navra Library during this closure. Materials can be returned to any other Library location.
June 18 update: Nora Navra Library is temporarily closed due to HVAC issues. We are working with our HVAC vendor to repair the system and will reopen as soon as possible.
June 15 update: Nora Navra Library is closed due to HVAC issues.
Nix Library
September 4: Nix Library remains closed due an electrical panel issue. We have received the quote for repairs and are scheduling the repair with the vendor now.
While we wait to reopen, items previously on hold at Nix Library will be sent to Central City Library (2020 Jackson Avenue, Suite 139). Holds should arrive by Tuesday, September 8. You will receive a notification when your holds are ready for pick-up. You may also request to have them sent to another location for pick-up by logging into your Library account or by calling any location. Library materials may not be returned to Nix Library during this closure. Materials can be returned to any other Library location.
August 31: The Library received the quote for HVAC repairs. We are scheduling the repair with the vendor now.
August 25 update: We determined that Nix Library has an electrical panel issue that needs to be replaced for critical systems, including the HVAC, to work. The Library is getting quotes from vendors right now so that we can reopen as soon as possible.
During the closure, items on hold at Nix Library have been extended. You may also request to have them sent to another location for pick-up by logging into your Library account or by calling any location. Library materials may not be returned to Nix Library during this closure. Materials can be returned to any other Library location.
The nearest Library locations are as follows:
Milton H. Latter Memorial Library 5120 – St. Charles Avenue
Mid-City Library – 4140 Canal Street
Central City Library – 2020 Jackson Avenue, Suite 139
August 24 update: Nix Library is closed due to HVAC issues. We are assessing the problem and will report when we have more information.
Robert E. Smith Library
July 17 update: Please be cautious on Canal Blvd. at Harrison Ave. because one northbound lane is currently closed for this project.
July 9 update: This project is on track. We anticipate reopening in two to three months.
June 15 update: On Wednesday, June 10, the HVAC system at Robert E. Smith Library failed, prompting us to move forward with repairs already planned for this location as part of our citywide roofing and HVAC replacement project. Rather than pursue a temporary fix, we made the decision to move forward with the full scope of improvements now. Smith Library will remain closed until a new HVAC is installed and the roof is replaced.
Existing holds, including those in the Holds Locker, will be routed to and available for pickup at Main Library (912 Loyola Avenue). If you have holds to pick up, dates have been extended. If you would prefer to pick up your holds at a different location, you can change your preferences by logging into your Library account or calling any location. Library materials may not be returned to Robert E. Smith Library during this closure. Materials can be returned to any other Library location.
If you signed up for the Summer Fun & Reading Challenge at Smith Library, we invite you to visit our other locations to check off activities, pick out books, pick up prizes, and say hello to your favorite Smith Library staff members. Smith’s events will be also rescheduled at other locations so check out our calendar for information on where they’re going.