In December 2024 Talbot County Free Library broke ground on the
renovation of our St. Michaels Branch. We’ll use this space to share
updates on the progress of the renovation. If you’d like to learn
more or donate to the renovation, please use the links below.
Construction Update & Important Closing Information
Posted by Emma on: Nov 25, 2025 1:34 PM
It's almost time!
Since our last update, things have been moving quickly at the St. Michaels Branch. In the coming weeks furniture, shelves, and books will be making their way into the space as interior teams wrap up painting and detail installation.
Patrons can expect all new floors and carpets, shelves, furniture, and more. One especially exciting addition is the installation of a Bibliotheca locker- an amazing piece of equipment that will allow patrons to pick up their library holds 24/7. You'll be able to visit the Bibliotheca locker to pick up your holds in an easy, secure way—whenever you want.
As we navigate the upcoming closing of our temporary branch on Tuesday, December 9th, so that we can prepare for the opening of our expanded St. Michaels Branch in early 2026, there are a few important dates you should be aware of:
Interlibrary Loans and Holds:
As of Monday, November 24th, patrons are not able to order new interlibrary loans to be picked up at the St. Michaels Branch. New interlibrary loans will need to be ordered to be picked up at the Easton Branch. Interlibrary loans that have already been ordered will be able to be picked up at the temporary branch until Monday, December 8th.
Starting Monday, December 1st, patrons will not be able to order new holds to be picked up at the St. Michaels Branch. Patrons will need to pick up new holds placed after this date at the Easton Branch. Holds that have already been ordered prior to this date will be able to be picked up at the St. Michaels Branch until Dec. 8th. After Dec. 8, all holds will need to be picked up at the Easton Branch.
Due Dates:
As of Monday, November 10, all items checked out from the St. Michaels Branch have due dates of March 16, 2026. Patrons are asked to hold onto any materials until the branch reopens in February/March and then they may return them to that location.
We're looking forward to welcoming you back to the expanded and renovated St. Michaels Branch in early Spring 2026!
Construction Progress at the St. Michaels Branch!
Posted on: Sep 9, 2025 1:41 PM
The transformation is well underway! Join Sabine Simonson, Dana Newman, and Shauna Beulah for a behind-the-scenes tour of the St. Michaels Branch construction site in the video below:
We’re looking forward to substantial completion this fall, with the branch expected to reopen in early 2026.
Recently, staff got a sneak peek at some of the design elements—paint colors, carpet, and furniture swatches. Stay tuned for a preview of what’s to come!
In the meantime, have you heard about our Bricks for Books campaign? When the St. Michaels Branch was renovated in 2004, part of the renovation included crafting a unique walkway made of customized bricks. Patrons and community members were invited to purchase these bricks in honor of a loved one, a favorite memory, or anything else they wanted to commemorate. In a stellar show of support, over 200 bricks were bought and placed along the walkway and have been meticulously cared for over the years.
When the current renovation of the branch was announced, there was some concern about what would happen to the bricks. We're happy to say that they have been preserved and stored, ready to take their place in the new walkway - and hopefully they'll be joined by some new additions.
As part of the community effort behind the expansion, we are launching a new campaign - Bricks for Books. All proceeds from the purchase of these custom bricks will go toward buying materials for the expanded St. Michaels collection!
If you're interested in leaving your own little bit of history at the branch, we invite you to explore this opportunity. The deadline to order is September 26, 2025.
Construction Update
Posted on: Jun 6, 2025 7:22 PM
If you’ve traveled down Fremont Street in the past two weeks, you might have witnessed some of those big transformations we posted about last time.
The remainder of the structural portions of the framing for the expansion towards Fremont St were recently completed, and the crews were hard at work this morning installing the wood trusses used to support the expanded areas.
Work also continues on the interior of the building, making way for the expanded Children’s Area. This engaging space will invite our youngest patrons to explore their imaginations through experiential learning and reading. It will feature a discovery nook that encourages the littlest patrons to play, learn, and discover the magic of reading.
Construction Update
Posted on: May 2, 2025 9:12 AM
BIG transformations are on the way!
On April 23rd, large steel support beams were delivered and installed at the St. Michaels branch site. These beams will support the expansion of the library facade towards Fremont Street. This expansion will allow for expanded children's and teen areas, and the creation of the new Cafe area and Reading Room.
This Reading Room will offer a quiet place for study and research for writers, students and patrons wanting to enjoy a good book. Old world charm and picturesque murals will envelop readers in a peaceful retreat. This room is also multi-purpose and can be used as a gathering space for educational, civic, or cultural events!
Keller Brothers Inc. reports that additional external transformations will occur over the new few weeks - stay tuned to learn more!
Temporary Location
Posted on: May 1, 2025 9:04 AM
During the expansion project, our temporary location can be found in the St. Michaels Shopping Center behind Shore United Bank at 1013 S Talbot St., Suite 11, St Michaels, MD 21663.
Construction Updates:
Posted on: Apr 24, 2025 7:12 PM
In the fall of 2024, Keller Brothers, Inc. was awarded the contract for the renovation of the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library.
In January of 2025, construction started on the project. Much has been demolished on the inside of the library and Keller Brothers have removed the concrete and bricks at the front of the building.
The personalized bricks featured on the previous walkway have been preserved for future reinstallation following the renovations. Additional personalized bricks will be available for purchase this June.
Interior and exterior work is advancing on schedule as crews work hard to renovate and expand existing spaces, while creating exciting new areas for patron enjoyment.
One of these new spaces will be the Library Café, a vibrant lounge and meeting space for patrons to catch up, collaborate, relax, or work. This bright and airy space will feature a mix of café and communal seating surrounded by local artwork. Patrons will be able to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in this new innovative area.
The opening of the newly renovated St. Michaels Library is set for early 2026.
Dear Community Members...
Posted on: Apr 23, 2025 1:55 PM
Thank you for your interest in the St. Michaels Library renovation and expansion. As we work towards improving the branch for your enjoyment, we strive to update our community on the construction progress and the exciting changes to look forward to when we reopen in early 2026. Until then, follow along here for updates!
