The main branch of the St. Joseph County Public Library has found a temporary home in Brown Intermediate School as it undergoes planned renovations.
The library would move into Brown in November, ahead of construction. The move is expected to take about three weeks. Then the library would be in the school for 18 to 24 months.
Brown Intermediate was closed as part of Focus 2018. It is currently being used for some food service for the school district. The library will take up much of the first floor.
“We still have more access if folks want to use space and partner with our buildings there’s still plenty of spaces for other not-for-profits to go,” said Deputy Superintendent Todd Cummings.
Other parts of the collection at the main library may be moved to other branches. Debra Futa is the Library’s Executive Director. She said it’s a big project.
“This is the first time we’ve had to move the main library in over 30 years and it’s a hug deal, but, what we’re going to come back to is going to be transformative for this community.”
Renovations include new meetings space, expanded youth programming, a new community center on Michigan Street, and an outdoor community space. It’s expected to be finished in 2020.