Parking Lot Getting an Upgrade at Albany County Public Library

Nothing like smoothing out a few bumps on the road. Just remember that while you have difficulties finding your way to the Albany County Public Library for the next month or two. All kidding aside, the library parking lot is having some much needed work done and it all gets started this Monday, May 7.

In the first improvement to the parking lot in 30 years, the lot will be re-asphalted, most curbs will be replaced, gutters are being added and there will be an access change. The north entrance off 8th Street will be removed and the south entrance on 8th Street will be replaced and enlarged so cars no longer scrape their bottoms.

"I had people tell me they no longer park in our lot because they were afraid they'd lose their car in a pothole," Librarian Susan Simpson said. "So everyone is very excited."

The project will take a minimum of four weeks and could take up to twelve. During the project, the only entrance into the library parking lot will be off 7th Street. Simpson worked with local business owners and the University of Wyoming to help alleviate some of the parking concerns.

The best place to park to get to the library now include:

• 1st Street parking lot near the train depot - the ACTA bus is available to transport you to the library in approximately three minutes.
• UW East Express lot - the ACTA bus will transport you in approsimately 17 minutes.
• Other UW parking lots - available on weekends and after 5 p.m.

The library has three bike racks available and several businesses have offered their bike racks for the duration of the project. Library staff are being asked to park in the downtown lots and the City of Laramie is allowing two handicapped parking spaces.

Simpson said they are still unsure of what the location will be for the book drop and book donations, although they should be announcing that shortly.

Funding for the parking lot project comes from several sources including the Specific Purpose Excise Tax, the State Land and Investment Board, the Albany County Public Library Foundation and the Albany County Commissioner.

"This project would not be possible without the voters' support of the SPET and the other agencies stepping up to match increases in project costs," Simpson said.

A sewer line will also be replaced during the project. Those funds are being provided by the ACPLF and the Albany County Commissioners.