Throwback Tulsa: Central Library renovation plans unveiled on this day in 2013
Eight years ago today, the Tulsa City-County Library announced plans to renovate the Central Library in downtown Tulsa.
The $47.8 million project includes a renovation of the almost 50-year-old building and replacement of its mechanical system, as well as the addition of a parking garage, auditorium, garden area and other features.
About 90 people attended the public unveiling that highlighted the renovation's energy-efficient design and how it will meet the needs of library users, including by providing more parking, the No. 1 issue brought up by patrons.
The project completed in October 2016.
Central Library renovation
Exterior of the Central Library, the day before it closes to renovations, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013. Tulsa World File
Central Library renovation
A visitor uses the Central Library, near empty shelving on the last day before the library's renovation and closure, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013. Tulsa World File
Central Library renovation
A construction worker hauls rubble from the Central Library in Tulsa, Okla. on Friday, April 18, 2014. Tulsa World File
Central Library renovation
People gather in Central Library Plaza during the Tulsa Central Library's public announcement about donations for renovations in Tulsa, OK, May 16, 2014. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World File
Central Library renovation
Construction workers take down the old Central Library sign in Tulsa, Okla., taken on February 24,2015. Tulsa World File
Central Library renovation
A large pit that will become a parking garage sits to the west of Central Library in downtown Tulsa, Okla., on Thursday, July 2, 2015. Tulsa World File
Central Library renovation
Steven Darneal welds a section of pipe during renovations at Central Library in downtown Tulsa, Okla., on Thursday, July 2, 2015. Tulsa World File
Central Library renovation
Construction takes place outside of Central Library as Page Belcher Federal Building is in the background Oct. 7, 2015. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Central Library renovation
Shelves of new books with warning tape to remind employees not to send these particular books out to local libraries at the Central library annex that is storing the books at the facility until the new building is finished in downtown Tulsa, OK, January 8, 2016. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
Central Library renovation
Inside during the grand opening ceremony of the downtown Tulsa City-County Central Library on October 1, 2016. JOEY JOHNSON/For the Tulsa World
Central Library renovation
Mayor-elect G.T. Bynum sign the guest book during the grand opening ceremony of the downtown Tulsa City-County Central Library on October 1, 2016. JOEY JOHNSON/For the Tulsa World
Central Library renovation
Confetti is shot after the dropping of the ribbon from the building during the grand opening ceremony of the downtown Tulsa City-County Central Library on October 1, 2016. JOEY JOHNSON/For the Tulsa World
Central Library renovation
Employee Nicole Donaldson shows Erik Galloway, Jr. how the laser engraver cutter works during the grand opening ceremony of the downtown Tulsa City-County Central Library on October 1, 2016. JOEY JOHNSON/For the Tulsa World
Central Library renovation
A Christmas Tree at Central Library downtown Dec. 1, 2016. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
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