St. Joseph County Public Library newly renovated LaSalle branch encourages curiosity and connection with additions, expansions, and modernizations

The St. Joseph County Public Library invited friends and community members to the newly renovated LaSalle branch for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ceremony reopened the building to the public and gave them an opportunity to explore the renovations, additions, and modernizations that help keep the library as a usable community space for all.

After a year of work, the LaSalle branch reopened with a bevy of new additions. The additions will help the library maintain its useful presence in the community for years to come.

“From the time LaSalle Square was built, the library has been a pillar in the community,” LaSalle Branch Manager Howard Edwards said. “We need a library in this area. We serve the schools, the church, the seniors, and the families over in Beacon Heights and the entire west side community.”

Libraries serve as one of the few public gathering spaces left in communities that don’t require any sort of monetary commitment from visitors. Spaces like the 2,000-square-foot flexible addition – which will be free for nonprofits to use – will let the library play host to everything from public meetings to fun gatherings, while the art studio and a redesigned children’s area let kids and their parents explore their curiosity without breaking the bank.

The renovations are part of a larger commitment the library holds to the communities it serves. Each improvement was made with intent.

“This will serve the community really well, and not only by offering those traditional library materials of books and computers,” Executive Director Stephanie Murphy said. “Our wifi is extended to the bus stop, there’s more room for kids after school, and we have this really great play area that reflects the neighborhood.”

The library’s refresh features work from both local and global artists, with a sculpture by Zimbabwean Shona Artist Nickson Muti greeting guests at the library’s entryway and a mural by Mixed Media Artist Kamika Perry painted in the library. Library leadership hopes these examples will inspire visitors to express their own creativity with the art studio’s easy-to-check-out supplies.

The entire project was designed to better address community needs in St. Joseph County. The renovations aren’t limited to the library’s interior either. The library’s new landscaping features native flora, bringing a natural beauty to the library’s exterior without disrupting local wildlife.

Edwards hopes that all of these renovations combined will encourage greater community connections.

“We want the community to enjoy this,” he said. “We have a lot of resources, from study rooms to large conference rooms. We hope everyone goes inside to see the newly remodeled LaSalle branch.”

The community is ready to follow the library’s example. Murphy was excited by the large turnout for the ribbon-cutting.

“It really shows how important this library is to our neighbors here in the LaSalle area,” she said. “I’m thrilled that everyone coming in seems to love it.”

The LaSalle branch of the St. Joseph County Library reopened to the public on May 4. Swing by 3232 W Ardmore Trail in South Bend to see the next chapter of the LaSalle branch for yourself and try out the new spaces.

Learn more about the St. Joseph County Public Library at sjcpl.org.