On Sunday, August 30, at 4:00 p.m., Mid-Continent Public Library’s South Independence Branch (13700 E. 35th St. South, Independence, Mo.) will close for several months as the facility undergoes renovations. Planned improvements at the South Independence Branch, which are estimated to be complete by early 2021, will include:
- New lighting, paint, carpet, and ceilings
- Automatic entrance doors
- Native landscaping
- New signage and display cases
“We will certainly miss our customers over the next few months, but we’re very excited for these improvements and think they will be a great asset to the community!” said Tiffany Mautino, South Independence Branch Manager.
While the South Independence Branch is closed, the Library is directing customers to its North Independence Branch (317 W. 24 Highway, Independence, Mo.) unless customers request a different branch, to pick up materials they have put on hold. South Independence Branch customers are welcome and encouraged to use the services of any other MCPL branch. All public programs, including storytimes, are currently being held virtually through Zoom or the MCPL360 Facebook page.
This renovation is part of MCPL’s ongoing Capital Improvement Plan, which it launched following the passage of Proposition L in 2016. As part of the Capital Plan, all MCPL branches will be improved in some way, and two new branches will be built by the end of 2022. While the upgrades at each branch have varied based on individual community needs and the building’s current condition, the Library’s goal is to create more intentional spaces and upgrade essential technology. The Library is working with Sapp Design Architects, Helix Architecture + Design, and JE Dunn to complete all of the work in the Capital Plan.
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 the South Independence Branch and all of the Library’s construction projects can be found online at mymcpl.org/Community.
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