ABOUT THE LIBRARY
IMCPL Foundation Receives $1 Million Matching Grant for Central Library Technology
September 21, 2001
The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation has received a matching grant in the amount of $1 million from The Indianapolis Foundation in capital support for enhanced technology associated with the planned expansion and renovation of Central Library.
The grant will allow Central Library to meet current technological needs and provide maximum flexibility for future growth.
By the time the new Library opens, an estimated 242 computers will be available for patron use, compared to 76 currently offered. Computers workstations will be easily accessible for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
The flexible design will allow personal computers to be set aside for special purposes such as literacy and language instruction. The new Family Information Center, designed to be built around wired resources, will introduce young people to electronic resources and help teach them information literacy skills.
The increased number of PC's for public use will permit Central's Computer Lab to be used for more classes and instructional purposes.
Those wanting to use their own laptop computers may use wired workstations at various locations throughout the building, including eight group study rooms.
A special new feature will be a public area reserved for "emerging technologies," used for such applications as downloading e-books, delivering distance learning, or other technologies that don't exist today.
The estimated total cost for technology improvements at Central Library is $2.5 million.
Construction on the transformed Central Library is scheduled to begin in 2002. Completion is scheduled in early 2006.
The Indianapolis Foundation is an affiliate of the Central Indiana Community Foundation.
