In three weeks, the St. Louis County Library’s new Mid-County Branch will open its doors in downtown Clayton.
The new library, on 7821 Maryland Ave., replaces the former building, which had been on site since 1977. It officially opens on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 9 a.m., as part of the Your Library Renewed campaign—a multi-year, $120+ million campaign to renovate or replace 19 branches within the Library District.
The new facility is 15 percent larger than the former branch, and is approximately 18,860 square feet in size. The building’s exterior is accented with teal glazed brick and is surrounded by ample green space. Visitors to the new branch will enter through a large plaza on the west side of the building. Inside, patrons will find comfortable seating, abundant natural light and views of the bustling city center. The new branch also features private study rooms, an interactive children’s area, a teen space, a computer lab and secure underground parking.
The new William T. Kemper Foundation Children’s Area is brightly decorated in shades of magenta, teal and green with bamboo accents. The space includes kid-friendly furniture such as browsing bin shelving and oversized reading chairs. Interactive learning stations and reading nooks will keep kids entertained and engaged. The William T. Kemper Foundation donated $30,000 to help fund the children’s area.
The teen area has a colorful wall mural, computers and fun furniture. Another wall mural will be on display in the quiet reading room, made of felt and featuring shades of slate, orange, light gray, and blue in a chevron pattern.
The new branch includes a computer lab, where patrons can take free classes on a variety of technology related topics. Other highlights include an updated community meeting room, a business center with fax, copy and scanning machines; a commons area with tables, a laptop bar and vending machines; a quiet reading area; and two private study rooms.
The building was designed by Christner Architects. The budget was $8.5 million and was funded by proceeds from a 2012 tax initiative.
The Mid-County Branch is the 18th location to be renovated or replaced as part of the Your Library Renewed campaign. Construction on a new History & Genealogy Library and Administration Building is scheduled to begin in late 2019.
