Grandview Library has rededication ceremony

By John Sharp

A formal rededication ceremony for the renovated and enlarged Grandview Branch of Mid-Continent Public Library at 12930 Booth Lane on December 16 drew several public officials who praised its new features and programs as well as its appearance.

Grandview Mayor Leonard Jones, Grandview School Superintendent Kenny Rodrequez and Missouri State Representative Annette Turnbaugh all praised the facility that reopened in March.  Jones said the totally renovated facility is a blessing for Grandview, and Rodrequez lauded the library’s partnership with the School District that is improving student literacy.

One of the most popular features of the renovated branch are its three new collaborative rooms that can seat up to four, five and seven people for private meetings, according to Branch Manager Sam Begley-May, who said all of the rooms that are available for no charge are often in use.

A larger community room that can seat up to 140 people is available for groups up through 16 people for a $10 setup fee plus $10 an hour after two free hours, a $15 setup fee for 17 to 40 people plus $10 an hour and a $25 setup fee for over 40 people plus $10 an hour.  There is an additional $10 fee for using library technology or serving food.   

Beginning the second week in January, story-times for preschoolers will be at 10 a.m. every Tuesday starting January 11, and at 3 p.m. every Thursday starting January 13.  The Thursday sessions will mesh well with the branch’s Read & Feed program that offers free healthy snacks and milk from Harvesters for youth 18 and under from 2-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The branch, built in 1988 and enlarged by over 4,000 square feet, also features a new dedicated children’s area, new display cases, automatic entry doors, floor to ceiling windows for enhanced natural lighting and native landscaping.

It has 16 desktop computers and 12 laptops available for patrons’ use, and persons may also checkout Chromebooks to take with them.

The branch’s hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.  It will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Day, and close at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.