A $320,290 grant from The Champlin Foundation will fund “comprehensive renovations” to the downstairs level of the William Hall Library, the Cranston Public Library has announced.

“This new grant will help us renovate and revitalize the first floor of the William Hall Library, which is used often by the community with many programs throughout the year including theater performances, concerts, lectures and ESL classes,” Library Director Ed Garcia said in a recent press release.

According to the release, renovations will involve “updating the programmatic space on the lower level including painting walls, refinishing shelves, and updating restrooms, all while still maintaining the historical character of the building.” The work is expected to be complete in the spring.

The William Hall Library’s building on Broad Street was completed in 1927 and served as the administrative center for the city’s library system from 1966 to 1983.

“We are grateful for the support that the Champlin Foundation has given to the Cranston Public Library,” Garcia said. “Over the past six years, the foundation has made grants to our library of close to $800,000. Thank you to The Champlin Foundation for helping to keep the William Hall Library one of the jewels of our city.”