Blending the old and the new; that is what the Midtown Carnegie Branch Library is working toward with its historical facility. As KSMU's Theresa Bettmann reports, the facility has been conducting community input sessions for guidance.
http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/springfield039s-oldest-public-library-seeks-input-ways-grow_78854.mp3
The Midtown Carnegie Branch Library is nestled on Central between Central High School and the Government Plaza. Branch Manager Eva Pelkey says people go by the library daily on their way to work or school, and her goal is to recapture those who haven't been to the library in a while.
"The Midtown Carnegie Branch Library was the first public library in Springfield. The cornerstone was laid in 1903, and we actually opened for business in 1905. So we'll be 110 years old in 2015," Pelkey says.
Thursday's public input session focused on the broader community, while two previous sessions addressed business and youth communities. Pelkey say these forums have provided great insight for program development.
While they have a diverse lineup of youth and teen programs, Pelkey explains, much of the feedback has been geared toward the need for more adults programs, such as book discussion groups. Additional suggestions have included cosmetic changes to the building's interior and exterior, increased quiet space to accommodate a diverse population, as well as blending old and new technologies.
"The library fills two rolls right now as a lot of people transition over to e-books. One thing that we are finding out from these sessions is that a lot of people aren't aware of what the library already offers such as the ability to download e-books to your device, computer or smart phone. You can also download audio books, stream movies and music; we have apps for that. And that's all free with a library card," says Pelkey.
Upcoming new programs will feature afternoon and evening book discussion groups, guest speakers on various topics of interest, gardening programs and more, Pelkey says.
"I think we'd really like to continue keeping midtown as a community center and a cornerstone in the midtown community. We'd like folks who have not been in the midtown branch for a while to come back in and see what it's all about, as we sort of bring back more interesting and varied programs and offerings," Pelkey says.
The final public input session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th at 10:00am at the library, and is geared for retirees and older adults.
