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Central Library Project Update

Library News & Announcements RSS Feed April 24, 2004

Time needed for independent evaluation of garage construction work for the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Central Library project will most likely result in adjustments to the overall construction schedule, IMCPL Board President Mary Lou Rothe announced on April 21st.

"This is a massively complex project and we are prudently assessing it in every phase," she said, explaining that a structural analysis of the underground garage is currently underway. She added that mechanical and electrical rough-in work is still progressing in the garage and that all work inside the Cret Building (1917 library building) is on schedule.

Under the project's original timetable, erection of steel for the new building over the garage was scheduled to begin four to six weeks ago. "While we're disappointed that delays have occurred, we are fully committed to delivering a quality structure to this community," Rothe added. She also noted that all construction contracts are fully bonded and insured.

The $102 million project will transform the downtown library into a unique combination of old and new, with the historic Cret building complemented by a six-story, state-of-the-art, modern glass structure. The project is unique among public-private projects in that a full 40 percent of all funds needed for the project have been donated.

  • The largest library system in the state, IMCPL celebrated its 131st anniversary earlier this month (April 9). With the Interim Central Library (Ohio and Alabama Streets), 22 neighborhood branches and county-wide Bookmobile service, IMCPL finished 2003 with:
  • Record circulation (13.5 million items)
  • Record renewals via web site (5.2 million)
  • 642,000 cardholders (77% of service population)
  • Answers for 2.3 million reference/service questions
  • National ranking of 6th best value for investment of US libraries serving more than 500,000 people (Hennen Ranking)