St. Louis Public Library - Central - to close

The St. Louis Public Library - Central will close in mid to late 2010. This isn't due to the economy. On the contrary, it is a huge renovation, and they hope to re-open in 2012 on the building's 100th anniversary. (The news article says 200th, but the building was built in 1912, and I think that's only 100.)

This is the City library system, and the building is located on 14th and Olive. It's within walking distance of where I work, but I don't do a lot of research there. I've done some, when I've found through WorldCat that they have a book I want, but it hasn't been often. While the building is beautifully constructed, and a pleasure to behold, I am personally most grateful for their online index of the St. Louis Post Dispatch obituaries.

In all the detailed changes, a couple paragraphs stood out

The library will also add a stationary computer lab, a laptop checkout station, and the entire building will offer wireless internet connection.

Excellent! The stationary computer lab and wireless internet connection are almost essential for any major library renovation today, in my opinion. But the laptop checkout station is a brilliant addition. While I have my own laptop the majority of patrons will not.

Also, many of the library’s collections will be digitized, says McDonald, including special collections of photos from the 1896 tornado, photos of the Muny, of St. Louis neighborhood and glass plate negatives from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Thunderous applause.

Here's a video about the history of the library and plans for renovation