4 minute read
Library Construction
Revitalizing reading
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The Noblesville and Fishers public libraries, constructed in 1986 and 1993 respectively, have long served Hamilton County and its constituents. Serving over 94,000 card holders and 390,000 yearly visitors, the Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) has long aided avid readers, artists, musicians and researchers in their literary, artistic and academic pursuits. To accommodate a growing Hamilton County that expects a population of 528,000 by 2050, both HEPL locations have begun construction on major improvements and renovations. e renovations focus on improving tra c ow, providing better access to services and increasing the amount of green space available to patrons. “One of our big goals [with the renovations] is accessibility,” HEPL Director of Public Services Amber Wright said. “We’re making it safer for drivers and pedestrians to interact in our spaces.” To further help facilitate improved access to the libraries, all doors and elevators are being upgraded to be in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accommodating those with physical disabilities. Although the facilities were ADA compliant upon initial completion of the libraries, the standards have since been updated, requiring refurbishments. “I’m really excited that this library system is willing to make the changes needed to make it a more accessible space to all members of our community,” Wright said. In making the facilities more accessible, the infrastructure and interior of the two libraries are also getting major overhauls, including new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units, lighting systems and carpets. “Some of the big things we’re working on is infrastructure because we want to be good stewards of taxpayers’ money,” Wright said. “ at means keeping our stu in good working order.” Included in the renovations at the Noblesville location is an update to the local history room, candidly named the ‘Indiana Room.’ As one of those involved in the redesign of the Indiana Room, HEPL Chief Impact O cer John Helling feels that the work being done on the Indiana room is incredibly important. “We are trying to add services that are more in line with what people today expect,” Helling said. “In other words, not just books, charts and maps, but interactive exhibits where you
Jakob Polly pollyjak000@hsestudents.org
An architectural rendering of the currently under construction north entryway at the Fishers public library. The expansion is set to open sometime in 2023. Photo used with permission of Hamilton East Public Library.
can come and leave your own digital history – record stories that [would otherwise be lost] when people pass away.” In addition to the interior, the exteriors of both locations are also getting major redesigns, including new landscaping, outdoor seating and bicycle racks, and for the Fishers location, an entirely new entrance. “[In the Fishers library], we are renovating the lower level, so there will be a new front door,” Wright said. “Essentially the front door… is going to be ipped.” Although the project is still moving along, HEPL has yet to release a rm date of completion, but sta remains con dent that it will be completed before the end of 2023. “We have general ideas [as to when construction will nish], but this being the post-COVID era, we’re dealing with supply chain issues – stu that doesn’t happen according to plan,” Helling said. For many regular patrons of the library, such as senior Laynie Cheek, this delay is easy to ignore given what lies in store once construction ceases. “[ e renovations] are going to be really bene cial for everyone going there,” Cheek said. “I think they’re making the right decision.” To Helling, the bene ts of the library far outweigh any costs incurred through renovations. “ e library is the last place in the United States where you can come in for free, access anything that’s in the building, you’re not expected to pay any money, and the sta will help you no matter what your question is,” Helling said. Both Wright and Helling stressed that library sta , given however odd a request, will aid you tirelessly. “No matter [your question], we will do our level best to meet your information need,” Helling said. “ at’s anything from a kid who wants to know about t-rexes, to someone who just lost their job and needs help creating a new resume… To me it’s awesome that that kind of service exists and we can do that everyday for people.” Similarly to Helling, Wright feels as though libraries are an essential part of the community. “ ere’s a place for you here,” Wright said. “[ e library] is a place where you can exist for free and you don’t get that anywhere else.”
An architectural rendering of the currently under construction entryway at the Noblesville public library. The expansion is set to open sometime in 2023. Photo used with permission of Hamilton East Public Library.
