ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – Attendance at libraries all over the country has dwindled in recent years. That’s why the St. Louis County Library embarked on a mission to rebrand what libraries can be.
“We’re so excited to welcome the public into this amazing space,” St. Louis County Library Director and CEO Kristen Sorth said.
Following a $4 million donation by the Robert G. Clark family and two years of construction, the new Clark Family Branch sets a record as the largest library in St. Louis County.
Sorth said it redefines what a library should be.
“We really wanted to deliver on the promises that we made to the public and to give them a branch that was spectacular, with all the things that they wanted in it,” she said.
Those things included special sections featuring books and games for children and teenagers, as well as a 3D printer and a recording studio. It also has a genealogy center and memory lab, where people can record their family histories.
Visitors were treated to live music as they perused the new two-story library.
Those interested in starting a new business can capitalize on the small business center there. Researchers can study notes and read up on projects in any one of the 18 private study rooms.
“It should be dynamic and fun, and so we’ve created some quiet spaces for people, and then lots of spaces for collaboration,” Sorth said.
The library will be open seven days a week, beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday through Saturday, and then 1 p.m. on Sundays.
