SOUTHPORT — Improved access to materials, open and flexible spaces, new group study rooms and an inviting teen area highlight some of the design features as part of the scheduled renovation of the Southport Branch of The Indianapolis Public Library, 2630 E. Stop 11 Rd.
Plans unveiled by arcDESIGN of Indianapolis, based on input at three recent public forums, take into account the changing borrowing and usage patterns of patrons and allow for shared uses and easy modifications of areas. The $1.1 million renovation project, scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2016 with completion in July 2016, will be the first major upgrade to the 16,000-square-foot Southport Branch since it opened in 1974.
The proposed plan will include moving the entrance to the north side of the building for better access to the parking lot. The existing community room would shift to the west and enclose the existing entrance. A large open area would greet patrons near the entry and checkout desk and lead them through a marketplace corridor of new seating, public computers and service points. The collection of materials will be found on either side of the corridor, as will separate areas for adults, teens and young children. The renovated interior not only will appear more open but also quieter with the installation of effective sound reduction materials.
While the branch will still provide a large print collection, a slight reduction in the number of book shelves will reflect the evolution to more electronic formats. Additional seating and tables equipped with electrical outlets will allow patrons to use or charge their personal devices. Following a continuing trend at the branch, the number of PCs available in the branch will decrease from 24 to 22 due to increased use of personal devices.
Other features include updated and fully-accessible restrooms, integrated media in the community room, relocated book drop outside the building, updated heating/air conditioning systems, and an area for a future automated materials handling system.
This and other capital projects, which include an additional 25,000-square-foot branch to serve Perry Township opening in mid-2019, are funded from individual bonds approved by the Indianapolis City-Council Council totaling over $58 million that will be assessed without any increase in the Library’s current debt service tax rate.
For more information on this and other IndyPL capital projects, visit www.indypl.org.
