Burnhaven Library to Reopen May 9

After eight months of renovation and reconstruction, Burnsville's Dakota County Burnhaven Library is scheduled to reopen to the public at 10 a.m. on May 9. 

The estimated $1.9 million dollar project is rumored to include an additional 2,000 square-feet of space as well as a license center, computer lab with Internet accessible computers featuring 19 computers throughout the library. Other improvements include a space designed especially for teens and a three-dimensional tree in the children’s area. 

When it closed for renovation on Sept. 19 last year, the aim of the project was to bring the library up to modern standards. According to Roseanne Byrne, deputy director of Dakota County Library, the project achieved its goal.  

"The wait is almost over for the big reveal of the new and improved Dakota County Burnhaven Library," Byrne said in a statement. "When it opens folks will notice this isn’t the same old Burnhaven." 

Changes that aren’t as noticeable include additional insulation in the outer walls for increased energy savings, new carpeting, a larger entrance and foyer and a new materials handling system with Radio Frequency Identification (RFI) that will speed up the processing of materials.  

The library's new licensing facility will open on Tuesday, May 24, and will be Burnsville's new center for liquor, tobacco and rental licensing as well as applications for all permits and ordinances.

A reopening celebration is scheduled for June 9.