Remodeled, expanded library opens to public

On Nov. 2, 2010 Lawrence voters approved an $18 million bond to renovate and expand the Lawrence Public Library as well as build a new parking garage.

About two years later, the library moved to a vacant Borders as a temporary space. Throughout the construction process, library staff provided updates via social media. On July 26 of this year, the new, orange-sided and glass-paneled building opened its doors to the public. The 20,000-square-foot expansion doubled the Children’s Room and meeting room space, and it features several upgrades to the Teen Zone.

New features include:

  • 3 48” TVs for video games
  • 16 computers for homework, gaming and more
  • iPad station
  • craft table with supplies
  • cafe tables for socializing, reading magazines/books, doing homework and more
  • teen collection (fiction and nonfiction books, DVDs, audiobooks, graphic novels and more)
  • teen study room – quiet space with glass walls, a 48” TV and marker board for individual studying or group projects