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̷ Ǥ Vol. 35, No. 10
March arch 20222
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
St. Joseph Ed Edition dit Reaching South Bend And Surrounding Counties
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expands, renovates main branch 6725< +286( $5($ ³ 6W -RVHSK 3XEOLF /LEUDU\ VWDII PHPEHU 6DQG\ )UDQFRHXU UHDGV WR FKLO GV WR FKLO GUHQ LQ WKH VWRU\ KRXVH DUHD RI WKH FKLOGUHQ·V VHFWLRQ ZKLFK LV QRZ ORFDWHG RQ WKH ÀUVW ÁRRU 3KRWRV 3KRWRV SURYLGHG E\ 6W -RVHSK &RXQW\ 3XEOLF /LEUDU\ %\ /2,6 720$6=(:6., )HDWXUH :ULWHU For more than a century, the St. Joseph County Library in downtown South Bend has been a keystone of the community, but times have changed since it began 133 years ago. The community has grown and needs have changed, but the library’s main branch has kept up with the times. A recent $38 million expansion and renovation of the main branch was fully completed in early January. The library project included a complete renovation of the main library building, the addition of a Community Learning Center building with an auditorium and a courtyard and green space. “The library has always had a presence at this place,” said Marissa Gebhard, communications manager for the library. “The last renovation for the library was in 1990.” That history was thoughtfully integrated into the renovation, with the exterior bricks preserved and with as little waste as possible, Gebhard said. The architectural redesign looked at the downtown style and incorporated many of the same features to ensure the renovated library would fit in well with the timeless style of surrounding buildings, she said. Natural light streams into the library and the sections have been relocated to improve accessibility. Some of the spatial expansion was upwards, from a one-story to a two story entrance at the main doors. The main hallway
through the library is wider, and from that vantage point, patrons can easily see all the sections and entries despite the expanded footprint. The project was designed to add flexibility in providing library spaces and accessibility to all patrons. “It’s more welcoming and more ore exciting to be in the library,” Gebbhard said. *5$1' 5( 23(1,1* ³ 'HE )XWD H[HFXWLYH GLUHFWRU RI WKH Overall, library patrons willl 6W -RVHSK &RXQW\ 3XEOLF /LEUDU\ VSHDNV DW WKH JUDQG UH RSHQLQJ find much more space inside the RI WKH QHZO\ UHQRYDWHG IDFLOLW\ LQ GRZQWRZQ 6RXWK %HQG library, which is what patrons said they wanted in a pre-project survey and at focus groups, children, parents and grandparents to interact and play. Gebhard said. “It’s a wonderful space for kids,” Gebhard said. “Get“They said they wanted space to meet,” she said. ting kids to develop reading skills is important.” “They said they wanted space to perform and space to She said the project has provided “space all around,” attend shows.” from meeting rooms to genealogy research to periodicals. The project delivered on these patron wants. The audi- There is also better access to the popular fiction section, torium has been expanded to accommodate 250 spectators which moved downstairs to improve access for patrons. and the new learning center will host a variety of learning There is also a green space and a courtyard, a ballopportunities and community events, Gebhard said. room and plans to open a café, St. Joseph Coffee ComThere are many upgrades that would fit well into the pany, on the corner of Wayne and Michigan streets. senior lifestyle, such as the relocation of the children’s sec“This will be a fun place to meet a friend or read,” tion to the main floor near the entrance. A two-floor storyGebhard said. house structure takes center stage in the children’s section. For more information, visit www.sjcpl.org, call (574) It will be used for story time and provides a safe place for 282-4646, or visit www.facebook.com/libraryforlife.
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