Parkville Branch Rededication Ceremony on December 10

On Friday, December 10, at 9:00 a.m., Mid-Continent Public Library will host a Rededication Ceremony at its Parkville Branch in honor of the upgrades made at that location in late 2020 and early 2021. Although the branch reopened in January 2021 after the renovation, the reopening celebration was delayed due to the pandemic.

“We’re so excited to have this belated celebration, which is a great opportunity for community members to stop by and see the upgrades made to their branch if they haven’t already!” said Samantha Faulkner, Parkville Branch Assistant Manager. “The improvements made to our building ensure that our team is able to better serve Parkville residents for years to come.”

The Parkville Branch closed in July 2020 and received a number of improvements during its renovation, including:

• Enlarged and renovated community room and meeting rooms
• New windows
• Outdoor seating area
• New furniture additions, lighting, paint, carpet, ceilings
• New signage and display cases
• Automatic entrance doors
• Enhanced entry and native landscaping

The ceremony on Friday, December 10, will include remarks from Library leadership as well as local officials, followed by a special “book-opening” ceremony and reception. Throughout the weekend (December 10–December 12), branch staff will be giving away $10 fine forgiveness tokens (one per person). Tokens can be used one time to clear all Library fines and fees up to $10. In addition, customers can participate in a virtual scavenger hunt through the free GooseChase app. The hunt kicks off at 9:00 a.m., Friday, December 10, and ends Sunday, December 19, at 5:00 p.m. Participants can qualify for a $50 gift certificate to Nick and Jake’s Restaurant.

As part of MCPL’s Capital Improvement Plan, the Parkville Branch is one of many Library branches to receive upgrades, which have been made possible by increased funding from the passage of Proposition L by voters in 2016. While the upgrades at each branch vary based on individual community needs and the building’s current condition, the Library’s goal has been to create more intentional spaces and improve essential technology. Design work for the five-year 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.