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St. Joseph County Public Library Celebrates Last Day at Main Branch, Now Closed For Renovation

White letters on red brick on the outside of the St. Joseph County Public Library main branch in South Bend
Jennifer Weingart
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WVPE Public Radio

 

The Main Branch of the St. Joseph County Public Library is now closed as of today. Its last day open was October 31. It’ll be closed for at least a year and a half for a major renovation. 

Library spokesperson Jennifer Henecke said there are plenty of other libraries in South Bend and St. Joseph County for people to use during the renovations.

“We have 10 locations which is actually fairly unique for a city of our size to have so many branches. And this is a great opportunity for people to, kind of, explore their own city.”

Szymkowiak is white with short gray hair and glasses. She's wearing a gray t-shirt and a black zip-up sweater. She stand outside the CD and Movie area at the library
Credit Jennifer Weingart / WVPE Public Radio
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WVPE Public Radio
Debra Szymkowiak.

  Debra Szymkowiak was visiting the children’s section with her daughter and granddaughter. She said they’ve been coming for years.

“I just love reading. I think it’s a good thing for kids, bring them to the library, start them out at the library, like we did. When our kids were old enough we got them each a library card.”

Szymkowiak said for now they’re going to a branch library that’s not as close to their home.

“Right now my daughter and the little one there we go to the Francis Branch for now until this library gets done and then we’ll probably be coming back to this one then.”

Ross Havens was doing some research on local sports history in the local and family history section. That’ll be moved to the Keller Park Branch that’s opening at Brown School.

Havens is white with short white hair. He's wearing a blue t-shirt. Behind him is a card catalogue cabinet
Credit Jennifer Weingart / WVPE Public Radio
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WVPE Public Radio
Ross Havens.

“For me it’s a place where I can come and get a lot of resources for what I want to look into. Also, my wife and I both listen to book CDs. It’s a place to get things to do.”

Havens said until the branch opens in December, he’ll be tackling his honey-do list.

Henecke said the library is excited for the changes. She said they’ll be able to offer more to the community.

“I think it’s going to change what the library is and what we can do for our community.”

In the foreground are metal detectors. A blue railing above. Stairs to the right. The desk to the left
Credit Jennifer Weingart / WVPE Public Radio
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WVPE Public Radio
The view from just inside the doors of the main branch on it's last day, Thursday, October 31, 2019.

The library was built in 1960 and expanded in the early 90s. 

The renovation will add more technology and spaces for community meetings. A second building for a Community Learning Center will be added to the campus along Michigan Street. It’s expected to be finished in the summer of 2021.