Following a four-month renovation that will lead to modernized services and improved energy efficiency, the Garfield Park Branch of The Indianapolis Public Library will celebrate its grand re-opening on Nov. 3 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. and a full day of special activities for all ages at the branch located on the south side of Indianapolis at 2502 Shelby St.
The newly-named Garfield Park Branch, formerly known as the Shelby Branch, will feature a separate computer lab with 21 computers for public use, a reconfigured children’s area with four early learner computers, new family and adult reading areas, new accessible restrooms, a new public service desk, a remodeled staff workroom, improved energy efficiency, and WiFi access.
Other improvements at the 6,400-square-foot branch, which originally opened in 1965, will enhance its role as the “Green Library in the Park,” intended to demonstrate the importance of energy and resource conservation and serve as a catalyst for future public education opportunities. Visitors will find a storytelling garden, rain barrels, butterfly and wild bird garden with native plants, composting area, an electric vehicle charging station, and an eye-catching bicycle rack.
The interior will feature increased natural lighting, energy monitoring programming, noise controls and a worm farm.
During the renovation project, limited library services have been provided for patrons in a temporary facility located outside the branch. The final day of service in the temporary facility will be Oct. 21. A drop box for patrons to return materials will continue to be available. A temporary computer lab for Garfield Park Branch users at the Fountain Square Branch, 1066 Virginia Ave., will end service on Oct. 29.
Throughout the day on Nov. 3, following the grand re-opening ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Garfield Park Branch will present stories for children and introductions to classes in the new computer lab. Docents will be present to talk about new features relating to the “Green Library in the Park.” The public can enjoy these and other activities at the Garfield Park Branch on Family Day, Nov. 4, and Community Day on Nov. 5.
This project was made possible by a grant from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation through The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
For more information, visit www.imcpl.org.
