We are starting a new story in St. Louis!
I’m thrilled to announce the grand opening of the two-story, 74,000-square-foot Clark Family Branch—which is now the largest library branch in the district! We kicked off the official commencement with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and plenty of community activities, including story time, a create-your-own bookmark craft, a storybook character scavenger hunt, and demos in the creative lab. The opening of this space will offer patrons, young and old, the chance to connect and enrich their minds with the adventures and knowledge in the pages of countless books.
Libraries were always my favorite place in every school. They were a safe place for an ADD kid that was not a good student. Even during the brief 5 weeks that I went to college, I spent most of my time in the library. That's just one of the reasons my family is humbled to support the improvement of my hometown with this fantastic symbol of community. Its opening is a celebration of all of the hard work, dedication, and collaboration poured into this renewed institution. There is no more important mission than cultivating a brighter future for generations to come, and the Clark Family Branch will bring world-class learning, recreation, and other critical services to the citizens of the St. Louis region. My entire family embraces the vision of the St. Louis County Library, and I can’t wait to see how this new addition will contribute to bringing it to life.
There is no shortage of things to do at this immersive and interactive branch. You can cozy up by one of the fireplaces, view the growing collection of art on display from the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, dive into research in one of the private study rooms, or surf the web in the computer lab. For younger kids, the children's space has a playhouse, fire engine, light tables, magnetic gear wall, and various educational games and activities. The Unity Foundation Teen Space gives library-goers access to a high-tech creative lab with a 3D printer, recording studio, and a green screen. There is definitely something to keep everyone engaged and entertained!
Post Holdings sponsored the Post Event Space and Plaza, which hosts the library’s author series. The courtyard features landscaping, tables, seating, and a nearby walking trail. The Clark Family Branch is not only a beautiful and modern library that exhibits the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor space, but it is also the final project of St. Louis County Library's Your Library Renewed campaign. This over $120 million effort started a decade ago to renovate or replace 19 branches in the district.
I am proud of the incredible renaissance that has taken place across the St. Louis County Library system to ensure it continues to thrive for the residents of tomorrow. I want to give a huge thank you to Lamar Johnson Collaborative for designing the building, to ICS Construction Services LTD for serving as the general contractor, and to everyone who has supported us along the way.
Let's keep embracing the power of stories to connect, inspire, and transform our communities!
