SLCL’s "Your Library Renewed" project funds new, upgraded facilities

The St. Louis County Library District in Missouri is in the midst of a multi-year capital improvement campaign aptly dubbed Your Library Renewed. In 2012, voters approved a six-cent tax increase – the first for the library since 1983 – to fund new facilities and upgrades to existing structures, as well as enhanced library programs and services.

Prior to asking for the tax increase, the library district engaged in a strategic planning process that included evaluating existing branch facilities. Input from the communities served by SLCL played a large role in helping shape the plan. The results are reflected in the new and renovated branches with updated gathering places in addition to new amenities and services.

The ambitious project is divided into three phases. Phase One, begun in the fall of 2014, consists of the renovation of nine existing branches and construction of two new branches. This phase is scheduled to be completed later this year. Phase Two is set to begin this summer and conclude in 2018. It involves renovations to four existing branches, construction of three new branches and an Operations Center. The third and final phase involves construction of a new SLCL headquarters facility. Work is set to begin on that in early 2018 and be completed in the summer of 2019.

To date, work on six of the district’s 19 branches has been completed. The most recent is the renovated and expanded Rock Road Branch that re-opened last week. Construction on five more branches began this month. Dates for work on the remaining branches and headquarters have yet to be announced.

SLCL Director Kristen Sorth is pleased with the progress of the project. "Your Libraries Renewed projects are transforming our communities," said Sorth. "We consider our library branches to be anchors of the community – they provide important services and access to resources. Each of the new and renovated buildings has been designed with the needs of the community in mind. Our patrons have been literally waiting at the door for us to open and are thrilled with the results."

SLCL is happy to answer questions about the project. For information about the project, from its initial planning stages through construction, visit the district's website. Interested parties are also encouraged to follow the project on the district’s social media sites and to sign up to receive periodic news and updates via email.