by Kathleen Morgan, Deputy Director and Director of Development & Community Partnerships
Celebrate 10 years, opens a new window with us.
On July 26, 2014, thousands of people visited 707 Vermont Street to check out their newly-reimagined library. By the end of opening weekend, 18,000 people streamed through Lawrence Public Library’s doors. “It was exhilarating to see so many people excited about their new public library,” said director Brad Allen. “This town was so proud of what it had achieved.”
It was called “Tomorrow’s Library.” The expanded and redesigned building boasted a larger children’s area, improved technology, a fabulous new Teen Zone, a state-of-the-art book sorter, additional public meeting rooms, a Library Lawn for community gatherings, and a LEED Gold certified building, opens a new window reflecting Lawrence’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
“It was exhilarating to see so many people excited about their new public library. This town was so proud of what it had achieved.” – Brad Allen, Executive Director
In November of 2010, voters took a leap of faith in a shaky economy and approved an $18 million bond for the new library and parking garage. The project was uniquely Lawrence. Gould Evans Architects, opens a new window and BA Green Construction Company, opens a new window, both long-time Lawrence firms, designed and constructed the building. In addition, many subcontractors were local companies.
Strong leadership came from all corners of the community. Lawrence City Commissioner Aaron Cromwell jump-started the project, Alice Ann Johnston and Clay Britton led the Vote Yes for the Library effort, Joan Golden chaired the New Stories capital campaign, and Mayor Mike Amyx led the community celebration on July 26, 2014.
Today, the original vision to make Lawrence Public Library a strong and vibrant community center is a great success story. We invite you to join us for a community party on Friday, July 26, 2024 to celebrate 10 years in our amazing public library. Numerous performers will entertain throughout the afternoon and will continue into the evening with more music, food trucks, and a family-friendly movie, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, on the Library Lawn. (Fun fact: The original Ghostbusters was the first movie shown on the Library Lawn!)
Thank you for your vision. Thank you for your support. Thank you for ensuring that Lawrence Public Library is a place where everyone in this town can learn, connect, create and grow.
Share your LPL Story, opens a new window.
Happy Reno-versary, opens a new window!
Keep the library running strong for 10 more years–and beyond–with the $10 for 10 for $10(K!) fundraising opportunity.
Article originally found in the Reader: Lawrence Public Library News & Events Calendar
About Lawrence Public Library
Lawrence Public Library (LPL for short) is a community hub that believes in the power of connecting with each other through shared knowledge and resources. Located in the heart of Downtown Lawrence, Kansas, we are committed to providing a space where our community can learn, connect, create, and grow through access to our vast collections, resources, services, programs, and knowledgeable staff. The library is supported by tax dollars, record-breaking book sales and philanthropic efforts by the LPL Friends & Foundation, and the dedicated efforts of more than 300 volunteers. All are welcome.
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#LPLstories – Share your LPL Story.
Lawrence Public Library Friends & Foundation
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