The Hope branch of the Bartholomew County Public Library (BCPL) will be closed for renovations from Aug. 18 to Nov. 30.
The renovation project will include new paint, flooring, furniture, a staff lounge, technology and some new shelving. The total cost will be just over $200,000, including a $128,332.23 purchase of flexible furniture to accommodate patrons of all physical abilities. The renovation will be funded through the library improvement reserve fund.
The county library initially served the Hope community in “library stations” beginning in October 1926. In early 1967, BCPL determined a need to create a Hope branch of the library. At the time, the library rented a building on the corner of Main Street, which is now the location of the Yellow Trail Museum. After 21 years at that location, the planning and construction for a new library building began. The building designed by architect Deborah Berke was completed in 1998, and the library has remained unchanged ever since.
The renovation of the 27-year-old building will create more open space within the existing library to encourage more in-person community collaboration, said BCPL communications and engagement manager Liz Cleland.
“It’s an exciting time to do a renovation and to be able to support the community the way we should,” Cleland said. “I’m proud to be a part of a library that’s flexible and offers the support the community needs. It’s great that there is a need for small-town opportunities to be in-person in a greater capacity.”
While renovations are underway, the Hope branch will still be operating from the Annex building next door. All regularly-scheduled events, including Hope Family Craft, Hope Hooks and Needles and the Adult Storytime, will still take place indoors at the Student’s Fund of Hope Community Engagement Hub at 321 Washington St. in Hope. Pokemon Club will continue to meet outside in the Hope town square on Main Street, weather permitting.
A small collection of books, holds, limited computer use and printing will also be available at the Annex during renovations. During and after renovations, the library will be trading in the desktop computers for laptops that will be available to use within the building.
BCPL Director Jason Hatton said his vision for the refresh is for the library to be a community hub as opposed to a warehouse of things. He views the lengthy project as an opportunity to reevaluate how to best serve the community with increased programming and accessible facilities.
“We still want to make it welcoming. Libraries aren’t just for books; we get to help people through programming, resources and various other things,” said BCPL assistant librarian Shelly Bishop. “It’s time for a refresh to better serve the community of Hope and our patrons.”
