Scaffolding started to appear outside the library yesterday as contractors began a lengthy project to replace the library's old metal roof.
The old roof has been in place since the library was built in the late 1970s, and it was now ``at the end of its serviceable life'', council property services group manager David Bainbridge said.
Naylor Love Dunedin has been contracted to replace it, at a cost of between $1.2million and $1.5million, in a project expected to continue until September next year.
A crane would be used at times to remove the remains of the old roof and lift new materials into position.
The brick pavings in the surrounding courtyard would also be replaced as part of the project, Mr Bainbridge said.
The library would remain open throughout the project, as would the Municipal Lane 24-hour public toilets.
However, the lane itself was closed yesterday - and would remain so until about lunchtime today while scaffolding went up.
Extra space would be needed inside the library car park as well, to store materials associated with the roof project and a separate project to refurbish the library's lifts.
