Check it Out: Liberty Branch Library Special Edition

LIBERTY IN PICTURES

MEET OUR CREW

Shari Bowers ¦ Branch Manager

Favorite part of the new library: The potential to reach many people in this growing area.

Favorite book: A Patriot’s Handbook by Caroline Kennedy. There are so many books I can call “a favorite.” I used this book as a teacher and as a citizen. I see it as a reminder of decades of challenges and of greatness. There is something for everyone in this book.

Favorite library event: I can’t pick one event, I like all things library!

Non-bookish favorites: Enjoying the outdoors with my dog, Zeus.

Kadra Ahmed ¦ Circulation Manager

Favorite part of the new library: The Quiet Room. I absolutely love the view!

Favorite book: I actually don’t have a favorite book. I haven’t found the right book yet to give that title to.

Favorite library event: The Medieval Faire

Non-bookish favorites: Traveling! I love seeing the many natural wonders around the world.

MEET OUR CREW

Sarah

Robertson ¦ Assistant Branch Manager

Adult Services Supervisor

Favorite part of the new library: I’m all about the windows. They really bring natural lighting into the library, which is amazing for reading, but they also bring some of nature into the library.

Favorite book: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I usually go for lighter reads, but this one is so hauntingly beautiful and stuck with me over time. This is a superbly written, British coming of age story, with a touch of sci-fi, that really makes you think about what it means to exist.

Favorite library event: The Great GeekFest has already been a highlight. As a geek myself, I loved seeing everyone dressed up in their cosplay and enjoying the festivities.

Non-bookish favorites: I love to travel. You get a chance to meet people from different places and learn their cultural traditions, see older architecture or vast landscapes, and experience different foods from all around the world. And as an added bonus, lots of reading time on the plane!

Luke Bentley ¦ Assistant Branch Manager Youth Services Supervisor

Favorite part of the new library: I love our interior courtyard!

Favorite book: One of my favorite books is That is Not a Good Idea by Mo Willems. I love it because it is very silly and has a great twist ending!

Favorite library event: I love any time we can get out and visit community events.

Non-bookish favorites: I love to play video games, and have since I was a kid.

FIRST FLOOR

On your first visit to the Liberty Branch Library, we hope you wander around and explore the new library for yourself. However, if you prefer an adventure with a map, we’ve got that, too. You’ll find a layout of each floor of the building on the next three pages. Take a stroll and see what you’ll discover.

Children’s Garden

Program Room

Children’s Books

Join us for programs or just lounge!

Learning Stairs

Tween Books

Large Print Courtyard

Restrooms

Business Center & Holds

Drive Up Window

Staff Workspace

Elevator

Lobby

Circulation

Take advantage of nice weather in the reading gardens or courtyard.

Magazines

Adult Reading Garden

SECOND FLOOR

Reserve one of these 7 rooms for groups of 2 - 10!

Quiet Room

Study Rooms

Adult Fiction

Study Space

Elevator

Restrooms

DVDs

Courtyard Below

Porch

Enjoy fresh air while you read or study!

Elevator

Staff Workspace

Teen Room

Adult Nonfiction & Audiobook

CDs

Teens get their own space!

Join the FOL to support DCDL, or attend a book sale.

LOWER LEVEL

Seating for 150! Can also divide into two rooms.

Restrooms

Maker Studio Learning Stairs

Community Meeting Room

Lower Lobby

Elevator

Friends of the Library

Storage

Staff

Workspace

Elevator

Storage

THE ROAD TO LIBERTY

November 6, 2018

Voters approve Library levy to build a new branch.

Nov - Dec 2019

SHP holds community conversations for design feedback.

November 18, 2020

Ceremonial groundbreaking takes place with small group.

May - Sept 2022

Liberty Branch Library leadership team is hired.

February 22-23, 2023

Books are delivered and staff begin shelving.

March 19, 2019

Library Trustees select northwest corner of Home and Steitz roads.

Architect: SHP

June 16, 2020

Land is purchased and conceptual architectural drawings approved.

Construction Manager: Marker

42,000 sq. ft.

3 floors

13 full-time staff

14 part-time staff

June 17, 2021

Construction officially begins on site.

February 21, 2023

Liberty Branch staff officially move into their new offices.

March 26, 2023

DCDL celebrates the grand opening of the Liberty Branch Library.

LIBRARY STATS

4 outdoor public spaces

60,000+ items for check-out

108 parking spots

Approximate construction cost: $12.2 million

Furniture, shelving, & collections: $1.8 million