The Springfield-Greene County Library District received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in 2022. The Board of Trustees voted to use that funding for three renovation/construction projects.
Midtown Carnegie Branch Library
The branch was temporarily closed and the renovation began in the Summer of 2023. The project is slated for completion in February 2025 and the branch will re-open in March. This project will bring the historic building up to ADA accessibility standards with a new entrance added to the north side of the building that provides ramps to the first floor and lower level. The elevator will also be repaired to restore access to all three floors. The footings have been poured, and the entry will be constructed soon.
Other projects at this location include a new HVAC system to regulate the building temperatures better and provide fresh air throughout the building, new piping to feed water into the building and an updated dock for the Friends of the Library sorting facility.
Project Cost: $4,453,083
Architect: Dake Wells Architecture
Contractor: Crossland Construction
Project Manager: Eva Pelkey, Midtown Carnegie Branch Manager
The Library Center
The District broke ground on the Hatch Auditorium addition in September 2024 on the west side of the building. The new addition will include a 500-seat auditorium for library and community events. The project is expected to take 14 months, with a grand opening in early 2026. Currently, the site work has begun and the excavation of the new site is almost complete. Many large boulders needed to be removed before the construction could begin.
This project will also include a new interior book drop to be located near the drive-up window and a permanent wall to be installed in the meeting rooms located near the Library entrance.
Project Cost: Estimated at $7,650,000
Architect: Sapp Design Architects
Contractor: Branco Construction
Project Manager: Jessie East, The Library Center Branch Manager
Republic Branch Library
With the expansive growth in the Republic community, the District will construct a new branch library on the existing library site. The current location will remain open during the construction. The new facility will add a 150-seat auditorium, a business center and maker space. The new library space will include a dedicated storytime space, a dedicated teen space and a refreshed interior to connect the inside with the outdoors. A new patio and walking trail are planned. The District expects to break ground in January 2025, with construction completed in mid-2026.
Project Cost: Estimated at $8,579,247
Architect: Paragon Architecture
Contractor: Nabholz Construction
Project Manager: Tysha Shay, Republic Library Branch Manager
