LOOK: Newest St. Louis County Library branch set to open in Clayton
CLAYTON (KMOX) — There's a new library in downtown Clayton, and it's part of a multi-year project the county library is almost done with.
The grand opening for St. Louis County Library's new Mid-County Branch was held Wednesday morning. It's located at the corner of Maryland and Central Avenues and replaces a branch that had served downtown Clayton since 1977.
The new William T. Kemper Foundation Children’s Area is brightly decorated in shades of magenta, teal and green with bamboo accents. The space includes kid-friendly furniture such as browsing bin shelving and oversized reading chairs. Interactive learning stations and reading nooks will keep kids entertained and engaged. The William T. Kemper Foundation donated $30,000 to help fund the children’s area.
The teen area has a colorful wall mural, computers and fun furniture. Another wall mural will be on display in the quiet reading room, made of felt and featuring shades of slate, orange, light gray, and blue in a chevron pattern.
The new Mid-County Branch was designed by Christner Architects. The budget was $8.5 million for its design and construction.
This is one of 19 St. Louis County Library locations that will be renovated or replaced, thanks to taxpayer dollars. In 2012, voters approved a $.06 sales tax increase to upgrade and even replace its library branches. It's called "Your Library Renewed" and you can read about it here.
Next up for the county library? The Eureka Hills Branch. A new 15,000 square-foot building is being constructed at 500 Workman Road in Eureka, with completion planned for summer 2021. This is the final branch planned for renovation or replacement.
The county library is also hoping to build a new History and Genealogy and Administration Building at Clayton and Spoede Roads in Frontenac, but that project has drawn considerable local opposition due to location and traffic concerns.
