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Library Plans for Growth
Since its last major renovation in 2007, the Westerville Public Library (126 S State St.) has added programming that has steadily grown in popularity, resulting in the need for more space.
“We are continually offering more events with higher capacity and outgrowing spaces,” said Library Marketing Manager Tamara Murray. “We’re landlocked, so what we want to do is maximize the space that we have, and a lot of that is our outdoor space.”
The Library’s leadership team has given extensive consideration to using its accessible space more efficiently and creating a welcoming, flexible space for Library-hosted events.
“The City and [Uptown Westerville, Inc.] are really looking at bringing the Uptown experience further south and we are a part of that, so we want to fit the concept that the City has moving forward,” said Murray.
Future plans include additional seating and bike racks, lighting in dimmer areas, easily accessible electricity for outdoor performances and activities, optional shading for sunny areas and artwork to create more inviting spaces.
“We want to make sure that when people are in Uptown, they stay as long as possible,” said Murray. “We want to give them places to hang out and feel welcome.”
The Library gave its parking garage renovation similar considerations, but from a structural standpoint. Due to the nature of the project and infrastructure concerns, the Library plans to renovate its parking garage first with Newcomer Concrete Services, Inc., then POD Design, LLC, will address the design of the parking lot entry and front lawn renovations.
The parking garage renovation is projected to be completed in time for Wizards & Wands Festival, a month-long celebration of magic and fantasy in October. The front lawn project is not slated to begin until 2025 at the earliest.
“Right now, we’re looking at how we approach the projects in a mindful way and making sure that people can still get into the building,” said Murray. “We’re constantly making changes throughout the building to better make use of the space.”
Learn more at www.westervillelibrary.org.
