After almost a decade of planning Liberty Township is set to receive its first standalone MidPointe Library location.
Over 100 attendees visited the Community Open Houses on March 29 and 30 in 2023 where library representatives presented updates and architectural designs for the new facility, set to open this year on Yankee Road, less than a mile away from East, according to MidPointe Library Systems Executive Director Travis Bautz.
“The interest and excitement from our patrons regarding the new building has been tremendous,” Bautz told Spark. “We are happy to have the opportunity to share plans for what is sure to be a noteworthy destination in our community.”
East graduate Maddie Behrmann thinks the proximity of the location is a big benefit.
“It’s a lot more convenient to make a trip there when the travel time decreases significantly,” Behrmann told Spark.
During an event that MidPointe held at the Liberty Center location, officials showcased updated renderings from architectural firm LWC Incorporated, including interior layouts, finish samples, and landscaping designs.
“We believe that the new Liberty branch will not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also beneficial to the environment through our use of geothermal HVAC and native trees and plants,” said Facilities Director Steve Mayhugh.
MidPointe opened its first Liberty Township branch in November 2018. Located on the second floor of The Foundry at Liberty Center, the space spans 3,671 square feet and offers 5,000 items. This branch attracts over 8,000 visitors and circulates 13,000 items monthly.
“The goal has always been to have a stand alone location, because Liberty is a rather large township, and we wanted a right size service for that community,” said Bautz.
Bautz is hopeful about the new location and how it could impact Liberty Township.
“Our goal with [this new location] is to provide a full service branch location to Liberty Township,” said Bautz. “The mall location is great, but it doesn’t provide a full service branch and we’re excited to provide that to the community in Liberty Township.”
Behrmann looks forward to what the new location has to offer.
“I have gone to the West Chester location since I can remember, but while I was in high school I always wished there was a library closer to East,” Behrmann told Spark. “I was really excited when they announced they were building a library so close by.”
In terms of progress, the new location is set to open in the middle of 2025, not including the possibility of delays.
“Right now it’s under construction; it’s starting to take shape. The contractor is supposed to be finished by the end of March, anything can delay things but we have June 1st of 2025 as our goal,” said Bautz. “Of course that’s all subjective but that’s our goal currently.”
Bautz is optimistic about the variety of resources that could be used to help students enhance their learning experiences.
“We have so many important resources for students. Free access to reliable databases for research, Wi-Fi, computers, printers, group study spaces, and of course lots and lots of books,” said Bautz.
Bautz is excited about the opportunities they will be able to provide with this new location.
“That is one of the many great things about libraries… we offer resources for everyone; we are here for everyone in the community,” said Bautz.
Behrmann is a champion for the resources provided by libraries.
“Libraries are a great place to foster education in a community, whether that’s through reading, providing a study space, or providing a space for meetings and events,” Behrmann said.
According to Bautz, making sure that the library is within walking distance to many people was a main goal in picking a location for the building.
“We wanted a space that was beautiful but also sensible and offered flexibility for the growing Liberty Township area.”
Having been a part of this plan for quite some time, Bautz is very excited about this new Location.
“A free standing library in Liberty Township has been a goal at the MidPointe Library System for over a decade,” said Bautz. “I’m so glad to finally see this come to life after so many years of planning.”
Additionally, the MidPointe Library will have a levy on the ballot on Tuesday, November 5. The levy would replace the current levy when it expires in 2025.
The levy would allow for expanded hours, increased convenience options, and provide access to convenient locations in every corner of Eastern Butler County, according to a MidPointe Library press release.
