MCPL to Break Ground in Riverside on May 19

On Friday, May 19, at 9:30 a.m., Mid-Continent Public Library leaders and local officials will break ground at 4510 NW Gateway Avenue in Riverside, Mo., marking the start of construction on a brand-new building that will replace the Library’s current Riverside Branch (located less than a mile north off Vivion Road) in 2024. Made possible in part by a $2 million financial contribution from the City of Riverside, the new Riverside Branch will provide a wide array of amenities and upgrades from the Library’s current aging building, which will stay open as the new location is built.

“The Riverside Branch staff are thrilled to officially break ground on our future new home!” said Patrice Nollette, Riverside Branch Manager. “While we have loved serving southern Platte County residents from our current location, this new space will provide a tremendous upgrade for customers and be a valuable community resource for many years to come.”

The Library’s current Riverside Branch, which was built in 1991, has had numerous structural issues over the years, including damage from multiple floods, resulting in the need for costly repairs. After years of discussions and negotiations, Library leaders and Riverside officials settled on an approved proposal last year to construct an approximately 12,500-square-foot building. The new Riverside Branch will include:

• Community programming room 
• Two collaboration rooms
• Children’s area 
• Teen area
• Outdoor seating
• Updated Wi-Fi and technology

The construction of the new Riverside Branch is part of MCPL’s Capital Improvement Plan to upgrade all its facilities, made possible by increased funding from the passage of Proposition L by voters in 2016. Design work for the Capital Plan is being completed by Sapp Design Architects and Helix Architecture + Design, with JE Dunn assuming responsibility for construction contractor management.

In addition to all the physical upgrades, the increased funding approved by voters in 2016 has allowed MCPL to expand branch hours, enhance special services, augment early literacy efforts, and buy more materials. More information about all of the Library’s construction projects can be found at mymcpl.org/Community.