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

December 2024

This month, the steel structure was completed on the addition, as well as the concrete pour on the ramps. Work will proceed quickly from here. Inside, the new pipes were installed and carpet was laid around the edges to cover what had been removed from the HVAC system. The entire branch has been refreshed with new paint. Lastly, work is underway on the elevator.

Work is also underway on the Friends of the Library sorting room on the north side of the property. This project will include a new loading dock and improved building access.

The whole project is on target for a special reopening party in early spring.

November 2024

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

December 2024

It is very easy to see the progress on the Hatch Auditorium, as concrete panels were added on December 12 and 13. Each panel weighed 30,000 lbs. and was 35 feet tall and a large crane was assembled on-site for the project.

Also, at the Library Center, the driveway on the north side of the parking lot has been prepared for the new sidewalks and the fire lane. This will provide patrons with a safer route from the bus stop to the library. We will also add sidewalks along the east side of the parking lot to connect the two sidewalks already there.

Inside the Library Center, demolition has begun on the employee breakroom to turn it into the Hatch Auditorium restrooms. The breakroom will be relocated as will other employee work areas.

November 2024

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

The Republic Branch Library

December 2024

The bid opening for the project was held on December 4, and the final guaranteed maximum price will be discussed with the Library Board of Trustees on Tuesday, December 17. Once the final price is determined, Nabholz Construction will begin construction. The library will host a groundbreaking ceremony at the current library location on January 16, 2025, at 2 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

November 2024

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