The signs on plate glass doors say: Library Closed.
At first glance, it might seem another chapter in an all too familiar story: the regrettable loss of yet another public institution in the older part of the community, leaving behind another vacant building with an uncertain future.
But that’s not the case; just the opposite.
While the Mid-Continent Public Library North Independence branch closed this past Friday, there is reason to celebrate.
The branch is closing for a major remodeling – a $3.75 million project that will bring new life, vitality, functionality and viability into this much-used, greatly needed facility, which originally was a grocery store.
During the year-long remodeling, the branch will take up temporary residence in a portion of the old Independence Regional Health Center, specifically the former Health Line clinic at the corner of Woodland and Maple. The library will become the first tenant in the new Independence Regional Entrepreneurial Center – the new name for the former hospital campus the Independence School District acquired this year.
There is deep emotional attachment in Independence to the hospital. It is where many in this community came into or left this world, had their hearts fixed, bones set or cancer treated. It provided an ever-present place for life’s emergencies. It stands a dark, empty and hulking mass.
But soon library patrons – North Independence had more than 325,000 visitors this past year – will hopefully find their way to the temporary location, which opens Monday.
Space will be tight. Many books will be in storage, but any inconvenience will be worth it. The remodeled branch will have public meeting rooms, dedicated space for special programs, enhanced technology, separate children’s and teen sections, study rooms and other features, including a bright, attractive interior.
The library is an important part of our community. MCPL has four facilities in Independence – the North Independence and South Independence branches, the new Midwestern Genealogy Center and the headquarters for the 30-branch system which is located in Jackson, Clay and Platte counties
Mid-Continent is investing in the community – more than $12 million in capital improvements will be made between the new Midwest Genealogy Center and the North Independence remodeling. It is also a major employer, among the top 10 in the city.
But most importantly, the library gets used by all in the community. There is perhaps no more widely used tax-funded service, aside from public utilities.
