27 Jul Changes coming to SCPL

The Shelby County Public Library was last renovated more than a decade ago, when the eastern-most wing was added in 2007, creating the Hudson Room and relocating the Kentucky Room. Working with Pearson and Peters Architects of Lexington and Collective Spaces Design Works of Cincinnati, the library staff and Board of Trustees have designed a space that addresses the concerns of both patrons and staff while staying respectful of the historic Carnegie library building.

The renovation plans include numerous improvements to the library building, including:

• Creating a dedicated space for young adults to gather, work, and create
• Increasing the size and accessibility of the children’s story time room
• Adding three private study rooms and creating a dedicated quiet work area
• Enhancing the Kentucky Room to create a genealogical department that offers quiet study, work, and research space
• Aesthetic improvements throughout the library

The construction and renovation plans, approved by the Board of Trustees, are expected to go to bid and construction beginning later this fall. The plans address all areas of the library.

To minimize interruptions to the vital services offered by SCPL, work will be done in stages, beginning with the lower level. While not all services will be available at all times, we will continue to provide the high-quality, friendly resources you expect from SCPL.

We are excited to begin work very soon and even more excited to unveil the new SCPL!

This blog post will be updated soon with tentative floor plans and renderings from the architect and interior designer.

Announcement July 27, 2021:

As we prepare to begin a major renovation of the library building, we ask that you return all currently checked out items from the Youth Services Department. Young adult books are not included in this request.

The lower level of the library and the Youth Services Department will be closed to in-person visitors beginning August 2, but select books from the Youth Services collection are available by request. Requests can be made in-person at the main circulation desk, over the phone, or online at catalog.scplibrary.net.  

The main floor of the library will be open and available for use, including the adult collection, Kentucky Room, public computers/printers, and periodicals. 

Future updates about the renovation project will be shared on SCPL social media profiles, blog, email list, and text alerts. 

Read more about the upcoming renovations at scplibrary.net/renovation.