INDIANAPOLIS — Interested citizens will have their first opportunity to view preliminary interior and exterior images of the new Brightwood Branch of The Indianapolis Public Library during a special community engagement meeting on Thurs., May 24 at 6 p.m. at the current Brightwood Branch, 2435 N. Sherman Dr.
Architects from Axis Architecture + Interiors and Meticulous have incorporated input from previous community meetings on services, programs and design features and will present their latest plans for further public comment. Attendees will learn about the building’s proposed exterior configuration, interior layout, collections and public service locations, seating and other features for the 15,000-square-foot branch to be located at the southwest corner of E. 25th St. and N. Sherman Dr., directly across from the current branch location in the Brightwood Shopping Center. The current location has served patrons since 1972.
The new Brightwood Branch will offer modernized spaces for an expanded collection, activities for children and teens, job search assistance, public access computers and community meeting space. Its visual presence will allow the Library to serve as an anchor to stimulate neighborhood development and eliminate the renting of space for Library services.
The $5.9 million project, scheduled for construction beginning in the fall of 2018 with a targeted opening in the fall of 2019, is part of a series of capital improvements identified in the Library’s Strategic Plan through 2022 funded from individual bonds approved by the Indianapolis City-County Council with no increase in the Library’s debt service tax rate.
In the past few years, the Indianapolis Public Library embarked on an ambitious program of renovating and upgrading its branches. Recent renovations have included the Southport, East Washington, and Warren branch renovations to better serve the community. A west side project at 62nd and Michigan Road is slated to open in fall of this year.
Individuals can learn more about the Brightwood Branch project and other capital projects by visiting indypl.org/renovations.
