Michigan City Public Library expanding
The Michigan City Public Library is making changes to adapt to the shifting needs of the community.
In just a few weeks, it will start a three phase renovation project. The 40-year-old library will see new furniture, shelving and carpeting. More tech and computer resources will be added, and new spaces for all ages will also be created for research, collaboration and experimentation.
The Youth Services Department is the first area that will be expanded, since a lot of kids use the library. A highlight of the renovations in the Youth Services Department includes a “Makerspace” where students can design, create and explore.
Teens will also have a new area with lounge tables to do homework and interact with classmates.
Library employees say these changes will allow them to offer more programming for kids – including activities related to STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math).
Robin Kohn is a long-time employee at the library.
She says, "Our goal always is to get them engaged in events here that will better their opportunities in education. If you start them young, they will become lifelong learners, life-long library users.”
That life-long learning is what the library hopes to foster.
Kate Bobillo is a Pre-K teacher at Notre Dame Catholic School. She implements STEAM in her classroom and regularly brings her students to the library.
She says that experience in invaluable and these improvements at the library will help her students learn, develop and grow.
“There’s nothing better than a good old-fashioned library," says Bobillo. "Coming to the library now, not just the classroom is just another way to help all of our kids develop in that area.”
The first phase will be complete by late summer.
Phase two starts at the beginning of 2019. They are adding more computers and meeting room space, plus a new local history and genealogy room.
Renovating the entrance and front desk area are part of the last phase which will start in 2020.
The library is expected to be open as normal during the first two phases and potentially closed for part of the third phase.
Renovations will cost $1.6 million. They are using saved and existing resources to finance it.
For more information about the renovations click here.
