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Newly Expanded Woodmont Library Opens

It’s been closed for about a year, but people still remember how to find their way to the Woodmont Library! More than 200 people gathered on the morning of Saturday, July 26, to celebrate the opening of the newly expanded and renovated community building!

Three harpists from Suzuki Harp Northwest provided music as people gathered and took seats in front of the library for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
 
“This library more than any other is a library of the community,” said KCLS Director Bill Ptacek, who facilitated the program. “You will be amazed by how we have transformed and changed this space.”

Thanks to the $3.5 million expansion project, the 9,850 square foot facility has nearly doubled in size. The library includes a Children’s Area, Teen Zone and new Community Meeting Room. One unique feature of the library is a “cyber bar” for laptop users, located where the corner of the existing building meets the new addition, which is marked by a portion of steel frame. The new roof was designed to be a geometric “lens” shape and sweeps out over the older building to create a dramatic overhang at the new entrance.

Several dignitaries expressed their excitement for the expanded facility, including Des Moines Mayor Bob Sheckler, KCLS Board of Trustee Member Jessica Bonebright as well as representatives from the architect and builder: Brad Miller with Miller Hayashi and Tony Kiehle with Lease Crutcher Lewis.

“This library has many new features that will make it a better place,” said Library Advisory Board President Nadine Byers, who added that the community has been waiting more than a year for this day. “The Friends Group welcomes you.”

Following the ribbon cutting, people toured the library and enjoyed refreshments generously provided by the Woodmont Friends of the Library. Radio Disney entertained children, Dewey & Sketch greeted patrons and Lolo the Clown created balloon animals. The celebration continued throughout the afternoon with a performance by Charlie Williams, the Noiseguy, later in the afternoon.