A facilities master plan commissioned by the Springfield-Greene County Library District suggests that southwest Springfield near Battlefield could be the best fit for a new library branch.

Library Expansion Plan

The plan, presented to the library’s Board of Trustees on June 16, took stock of the library’s current branches, including building conditions. The library operates 10 branches across the county, five of which are owned and five of which are leased.

The study found that the library’s branches are serving their communities, but several of them are supporting more than their systems, layouts, leases, and support spaces can handle. The board took no action after hearing a presentation from Paragon officials last week.

Executive Director Ed Walton said the board will use the plan’s advice if the board finds itself in a position to grow. The library recently completed three construction projects partially funded with federal COVID-era recovery grants.

Recommendations for Existing Branches

The study offered recommendations for how to best grow all five Springfield branches. These include finding a new location for the district’s administrative offices, adding more meeting space to The Library Station, and reconfiguring Schweitzer Brentwood.

The study also encourages the development of hubs to expand service in the northeast and northwest corners of the city. The library maintains two automated kiosks on East and West Chestnut Expressway.

The lease for the Fair Grove branch is up in 2029, and the library will need to find a new location. The study encourages upgrades to the Strafford branch and a deeper look into combining the Ash Grove and Willard branches.

Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.