The Albert Lea Public Library will be closed for a week and a half starting later this month as new carpet is installed.

Michelle Gurung, library assistant, said new carpet will be installed in the fiction and nonfiction libraries, the computer lab and the second floor circulation area.

Though there is not carpet in the children’s library, it is likely that area will be used for storage.

Gurung said the carpet was installed by Mohawk Flooring when the library underwent renovations; however, the carpet squares have begun gapping and lifting.

Albert Lea Public Library Director Peggy Havener contacted a Mohawk representative the first week in February, and the company agreed to replace all the carpet at no cost to the city because of the defective product.

The company warranty covers both installation and material costs.

To pull out the old carpet and then install the new, the library will close starting May 25.

The library will reopen June 5, just prior to the kickoff of the “One World, Many Stories” summer reading program June 6.

Gurung said library staff are recommending patrons come in before the closing and stock up on books and other library materials to sustain them through the upgrades period.

At any time during the closing, people can return items to the book drop at the rear of the building on Fountain Street.