ST. LOUIS — With a brand new, state-of-the-art structure newly opened on the site of the former headquarters of St. Louis County Library, officials are offering library patrons a chance to invest in the future.
St. Louis County Library District Director and CEO Kristen Sorth spoke with 5 On Your Side inside the new Clark Family Branch.
“We are in the teen space,” said Sorth. “We have a lab where young people can do 3D printing. There’s a recording studio and a green screen; all kinds of other fun things to do.”
The new library branch opened, July 9.
“Tons of people came in,” said Sorth. “We've been super busy. We made well over 1,000 new library cards for people. The 18 study rooms available in this building are rarely available.”
2024 is an exciting time to be in the business of information and technology. But to those traditional services, St. Louis County Library officials are adding things like access to Narcan nasal spray, for opioid overdose; diapers, and summer and after-school meals.
Libraries are information warehouses that are making the transition to community resource centers.
“We intentionally steered our priorities to support the community,” said Sorth, “and we do that because there are people who visit our facilities for fun, and people who are looking for answers. We try and have answers and solutions for many people in our community who may need some extra assistance.”
Katie Lappe is an example of something else St. Louis County Library officials are making available at the 20 library branch locations. She is a county library social worker employed by Epworth Children and Family Services.
“We may help someone who is trying to find mental health resources or navigate a new diagnosis,” said Lappe. “Libraries across the country are doing this because frequently, patrons are coming to libraries and asking for support with things that social workers - not librarians - are specially trained for.”
5 On Your Side is the St. Louis County Library Foundation’s exclusive media partner for a fund-raising event, Casino Royale – All in for the Mission. It will take place in the new 800-seat event space at the Clark Family Branch, Oct. 5.
Sorth says opportunities remain to help St. Louis County Library Foundation officials achieve their mission.
“We have tickets that are available for people to purchase, and we have some live auction items at an event where people can donate additional dollars to support the foundation,” said Sorth.