The city’s Main Library Downtown will close Saturday, Jan. 19, in preparation for its summer grand opening at its new location on Broadway.

The closure will allow library administration and support services time to ensure a “smooth transition” to the new Main Library at 200 W. Broadway, officials said. Staff will be moving the library’s extensive collection of books, media, periodicals and special collections—including the Long Beach History Collection, Miller Room Fine Arts Collection and the Petroleum Collection—to the new building, the city said in a statement Monday.

The roughly six-month closure will also allow for the automated services bureau, which provides library acquisitions and cataloging functions, to prepare for re-launch this summer.

The library’s 11 branches will remain open during the closure. The closest libraries to the main branch include:

  • Alamitos Library, 1836 E. Third St.
  • Mark Twain Library, 1401 E. Anaheim St.
  • Burnett Library, 560 E. Hill St.
  • Bret Harte Library, 1595 W. Willow St.

During the closure, library materials may still be returned to the Main Library’s outside book drop, the city statement said. Items may also be returned in person at any other library location.

The new, 92,500-square foot library will feature a Family Learning Center, Information Center for People with Disabilities, an art studio, a children’s literacy area and more. It is part of the broader civic center project, expected to be complete next year.

For information, call 562-570-6016.