The construction is complete and the shelves are filled. The year long renovation of the Drake Public Library is now complete. This past year was a wonderful, and exhausting, experience for me. Overseeing the renovation of this beautiful, historic building was an honor. And, I am so proud of results! If you haven’t had a chance to come by, you really should. We started with the idea of adding a reading room in honor of Bill Swab. Bill was a long time patron and left a considerable memorial donation to the library for this purpose.
A top floor was added to the north end of our building that now houses the periodicals and non fiction collection. A beautiful glass floor inlay is an important part of the design. Comfortable furniture and a working fireplace adds warmth and ambiance to this beautiful space. Next door to this room, you will find the new Genealogy Room. Across the rotunda, we have created two separate spaces, a Maker Space and the Small Conference Room. Both of these rooms have unique historic touches and are available to the public to use for programs and meetings.
The main floor has a beautiful raised ceiling that showcases the glass “floor” from the upper Reading Room. Our beautiful, historic desk has been refinished and a small study room is available for use by the public. Our young adult section is now located in it’s own area on the south end of the main floor, with cafe tables and seating now available.
Our children’s area got a much needed freshening up, with a new color scheme, layout and fun furniture. Enjoy the new middle school area during our after school program or join our Little Listeners storytime group each Wednesday at 10:30am. Our Children’s Librarian, Krisitn Craver and her staff are available after school for crafts, games, homework help and other fun activities for children in first through sixth grade.
Throughout the building, you will see a fresh new look with new paint, carpet and shelving. Comfortable seating and improved lighting help Drake Public Library a wonderful spot to spend time reading, researching or getting together with friends. We will be having a “Come-N-See” open house this Saturday, October 6th starting at 10am. Everyone is encouraged to stop by and visit the library!
JeNel Barth
Drake Public Library Director
