A completely renovated North Independence Branch at 317 W. 24 Highway will open to the public in Spring 2011. The branch will feature a 12,000 square foot expansion into the old genealogy building and a complete update to the entire structure. Among the new services and amenities at the branch will be:
· Dedicated space for special programs.
· A children’s area featuring story time space and expanded resources.
· A dedicated space for teen library users.
· Quiet rooms to accommodate study and allow the rest of the library to be a place of activity.
· Public meeting space.
· Enhanced technology including a computer lab for training classes.
· Dedicated space for exhibits.
· Food service of some type.
· Possibility of expanded hours.
The renovation will also see the branch themed around “A Working History of Independence.”
MCPL is currently collecting artifacts from the many industries and businesses and that have employed Independence residents throughout the city’s history. Anyone wishing to contribute to that effort is asked to call the library at (816) 836-5200.
North Independence currently has approximately 50,000 square feet including a basement. It circulated nearly one-half million books and had over 290,000 visitors during the past fiscal year (July to June).
It is the largest branch library in the Mid-Continent Public Library system.
Mid-Continent Public Library is the largest library system in the metropolitan area operating 30 libraries and serving over 700,000 people in Jackson, Clay and Platte counties. For more information visit www.mcpl.lib.mo.us.