Renovation Project Updates
October 14, 2026
We are right on schedule to open tomorrow! (Thursday, October 15). All services are operating, but we are still awaiting some new furniture.
Next:
The arrival of new furniture!
Renovation Project Updates
October 1 - 11, 2026
Shelving has been rebuilt! The books have all returned to the library and are on the shelves (in close to the right order...). Countless volunteers putting in many, many hours have made this possible in such a short time.
Currently:
We are preparing for the re-installation of internet and other network equipment while we continue to organize and store library supplies.
Next:
After the internet and network is running, we will open ASAP!
Renovation Project Updates
September 16-27, 2026
Flooring installation was completed in 4 days! After giving the new floor a couple days to settle into its new home, we unloaded the semi trailer with the shelving pieces, some furniture, toys, and miscellaneous items.
Currently:
We are in the process of assembling some of the shelving units.
The outdoor book drop is still accepting returns. Library staff are holding programs at alternate locations. Staff is also busy cataloging and prepping new books so you will have lots to choose from when we re-open. You can contact staff by emailing cantonmopubliclibrary@gmail.com, messaging us, or even giving us a call at 573-288-5279.
Next:
After a few more shelves are ready to be filled, we will begin unloading the second trailer which holds more furniture, and all the books! Watch for calls for volunteers!
September 6 - 15, 2026
Asbestos abatement wrapped up last week. After receiving a good Air Quality Report, we began painting the entire library. With the help of incredible and tireless volunteers, the painting project was completed in just 3 days on September 15.
Currently:
Laying of new flooring is scheduled to begin today, September 16.
The outdoor book drop is still accepting returns. Library staff are holding programs at alternate locations. Story Time starts this week - Friday at 10 AM at Central Park, weather permitting. Staff is also busy cataloging and prepping new books so you will have lots to choose from when we re-open. You can contact staff by emailing cantonmopubliclibrary@gmail.com, messaging us, or even giving us a call at 573-288-5279.
Next:
After the new floor rests for a couple of days and settles into its new home, we will begin moving shelving and
other items back into the library so shelving re-assembly can begin.
We will continue to hold some programs at alternate locations, so check our calendar for details!
WE ARE STILL ON TRACK!
August 29-Sept 5:
Asbestos abatement began on Tuesday, Sept. 1, right on time!
Currently:
The library is off limits. But the outdoor book drop is still accepting returns. Library staff are holding programs at alternate locations. Story Time starts this week - Friday at 10 AM at Central Park, weather permitting. Staff is also busy cataloging and prepping new books so you will have lots to choose from when we re-open. You can contact staff by emailing cantonmopubliclibrary@gmail.com, messaging us, or even giving us a call at 573-288-5279.
Next:
After the abatement and we are cleared to enter the building, we will begin painting! Hopefully by the end of this week!
We will continue to hold some programs at alternate locations, so check our calendar for details!
August 28, 2026
WE ARE RIGHT ON TRACK!
August 21-28:
EDM Day (Saturday, August 22) was a big day! A huge thank you goes out to the class of Dr. Alissa Burger for their help in loading the second semi trailer! Also a huge thank you to Cindy Kell and Zalan Robertson for their loading expertise.
Currently:
The library is locking its doors on Friday, August 28 at 6:00 PM.
Next:
Asbestos abatement begins Monday, August 31 or Tuesday, September 1, and is expected to take 2 weeks or less. After we are cleared to enter the building, we will begin painting!
We will continue to hold some programs at alternate locations, so check our calendar for details!
August 21, 2026
WE ARE RIGHT ON TRACK!
August 9 -21: with a group of amazing volunteers, we are right on schedule!
All the books and some of the furniture are packed and loaded onto a semi and moved off-site. Shelving and most of the remaining furniture will leave the building during EDM Day on August 22.
Currently:
Computer use, free wi-fi, printing, copying, and faxing services continue. The Press News Journal and the Wall Street Journal is still here for you to enjoy.
There are a few books that have been recently returned that are available for checkout.
The kids room is all packed up and there are no toys to play with.
Next:
While we wrap up some details, we will be open August 24 - 28.
We will continue to hold some programs at alternate locations, so watch for the September calendar for details!
August 8, 2026
WE ARE MOVING FORWARD!
August 1-8: with a group of amazing volunteers, we are right on schedule!
Here's what is happening:
We have packed up all the adult non-fiction books, the biography section, the DVDs and audiobooks, and started on adult fiction.
During our scheduled volunteer hours this first week, 16 kids and 21 adults filled up 292 boxes and disassembled 245 shelves!
Currently:
We still have the kids' playroom open, and computer use, printing, faxing services continue. The Press News Journal and the Wall Street Journal is still here for you to enjoy.
Next:
We are continuing with boxing up the adult fiction section in the beginning of next week (starting on August 10), then moving on to large print books and the young adult section.
If you are looking to read any ADULT FICTION, LARGE PRINT, or YA materials, come and grab your books now! Kids books will be next!
July 10, 2026
Scheduled phases of the renovation project
August 1-21: boxing up books and supplies, disassembling shelving.
August 22: loading boxes and furniture onto semi trailers (thank you, Andrew Eisenbeiss for the trailers and Culver-Stockton EDM Day Students for the heavy lifting!)
August 23-31: removal of remaining items, and final preparations for renovations
August 29: LIBRARY CLOSES - see your options for accessing library services here
September 1: asbestos removal begins
Mid-September: interior painting and flooring installation begins
Late-September: books and materials begin returning to the library, shelving assembled
October: LIBRARY OPENS