We never tire of pointing this out: The Mid-Continent Public Library system is one of this community’s best assets.
Not only do Independence and Blue Springs each have two regular branches, but the resources of more than two dozen other branches – from Lone Jack and Grandview to Kearney and Platte City – are readily available to patrons as well with a simple request. It’s online offerings are impressive. This system serves its communities well.
It’s about to get better.
The Mid-Continent system, which last year opened the Midwest Genealogy Center in Independence, now plans a $3.75 million renovation of the North Independence branch, starting later this year.
It’ll take a year or more. The library will temporarily relocate to the old Independence Regional Health Center. When it’s done, the library on U.S. 24 near the Truman Library will be brighter and more comfortable. It will have separate areas for children and young adults. It will have public meeting rooms, more computers and even a food-service area.
A cup of coffee while reading the paper? Really? How far libraries have come.
Many in Independence are old enough to remember when this branch still looked a lot like what that building originally was – a grocery store. It wasn’t all that stylish, but it served those looking for a good book or an old magazine. The renovations since then have improved the facility. This time around, the idea is to make it even more of a destination. It sounds as if the plans in place will make that happen.
