CREVE COEUR, Mo. — The new and improved Thornhill Branch of the St. Louis County Library opens this Wednesday at 9 a.m. It is part of a $120 million multi-year campaign to renovate branches within the Library District.
Originally opened on the site in 1976, renovations for the branch focused on making the new space modern and welcoming.
The library now features a colorful interior, comfortable seating and plenty of natural light. New windows, architectural light fixtures and updated furniture have helped modernize the interior.
Attention to detail was important in the design process of the children's area as well. It is brightly painted with shades of blue, orange and magenta. Kid-friendly furniture, interactive learning stations, reading nooks and porthole windows fill the vivacious walls.
Later this spring, kids can also go outside to an activity area that will feature story time, a small play structure, art easels and over-sized musical instruments. The outdoor activity area is sponsored by the St. Louis County Library Foundation.
Kids aren't the only ones with a specialized area. Teens have multiple edgy spots in the branch as well.
The teen space is painted orange and blue and includes fun furniture and computers. Free classes on multiple technology related topics are offered in the computer lab.
There will also be two community meeting rooms and a business center with a fax, copy and scanning machines.
Other amenities include a commons area with tables, a laptop bar and vending machines, a quiet reading area and three private study rooms.
Mackey Mitchell and Bond Architects designed the new Thornhill Branch. The project's budget was $5.4 million and was funded by proceeds from a 2012 tax initiative.
At approximately 20,000 square feet in size, the Thornhill Branch is the 16th location to be renovated or replaced in the Your Library Renewed campaign. Branches are Mid-County and Meramec Valley are currently under construction and expected to reopen later this year.
The Thornhill Branch is located at 12863 Willowyck Drive in Creve Coeur.
For more details about the construction projects, click here.
