INDIANAPOLIS — The entire community is invited to experience all the new features of the renovated East Washington Branch of The Indianapolis Public Library, 2822 E. Washington St., during the grand reopening of the historic branch on Sat., March 18 from 2 – 4 p.m.
Highlighting the festivities will be the dedication of the library’s community room in the name of the late Stephen Howe Webb, a longtime East Washington neighborhood resident who was an author, theologian and Wabash College professor of religion and philosophy. Stephen’s wife, Diane Timmerman, will offer comments about her husband’s work and connections to the neighborhood. Included in the community room is a painting purchased by Stephen and his parents that they donated as a lasting tribute to his legacy.
A presentation by Dr. William McNiece of the Marion County Historical Society will describe the history of the East Washington Branch, one of two original Carnegie Libraries still serving Indianapolis. Other activities will include face painting, children’s crafts, snacks and free giveaways, such as a canvas book bag, books and magnets. In addition, participants in a scavenger hunt can enter a drawing to receive a free Kindle.
The recently-completed $2.4 million renovation project included a 2,200-square-foot northward expansion, a 16-unit computer lab, improved access with a ground-level elevator, updated restrooms and a new children’s program space. All of the improvements will allow the branch to enhance its job search assistance, tutoring, children’s literacy and community programming for Eastside residents.
For more information on this and other IndyPL capital projects, visit www.indypl.org/renovations.
