One of the key objectives of the first phase of the renovation of the Main Library was to give us the chance to fully express our role as a cultural center by providing appropriate physical spaces. This imperative was not in response to “wouldn’t it be nice” thinking but in fact a reflection of what the Library is now and an effort to meet the expectations of what it needs to be in the future. It is clear that as this City and Library have evolved over the past decade becoming more diverse, dynamic and complicated one of our essential roles in the public sphere is to help strengthen and promote the cultural fabric of Our prominent position as an anchor of one end of the Arts District engenders a responsibility and an opportunity to enliven Monument Square at all times of the day and in all seasons. Part of that energy is generated by the transparency of the architecture as library users are seen from outside and they in turn engage outwardly with the city. The comings and goings of the library as cultural center include art exhibits, lectures, music and support of the development of public policy and consensus as shown most recently in the exhibition, reception and opinion gathering for the design of the new benches for the Bayside Trail.
At a stereotypical level libraries are known for lending materials but our range of users and activities sometimes makes it difficult to deliver an elevator speech that captures it all. Through our efforts in the renovated Main Library since April, the Library is making a strong statement of identity by accepting and promoting the role of a cultural center.
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