This weekend, the West Des Moines Public Library hosted an open house to commemorate the $3 million renovation that wrapped up in April 2021. The celebration also marked the 25-year anniversary of the building at 4000 Mills Civic Parkway which broke ground in 1996.
This renovation became a part of the Library’s strategic plan in 2017 and came to fruition in early 2020 despite the setbacks from the Coronavirus pandemic. In fact, even with COVID-19 and the renovation, the Library was only closed for 81 total days from March 2020 to April 2021.
“The renovation and pandemic both going on at the same time made the past year doubly challenging, but with guidance from the City and other local authorities and with a well-informed and careful staff, we made it to positive milestones faster and with more confidence than we expected,” said Library Director Darryl Eschete.
The renovation included a $350,000 donation from the West Des Moines Public Library Friends Foundation to build a dedicated Teen Center. This space was created with teens in mind and was developed in-part with the Library’s Teen Advisory Board which helped make decisions on the layout and functionality of the space.
“The celebration today truly highlighted the stunning renovations at the West Des Moines Public Library,” said West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Katherine Harrington. “Congratulations to library friends, staff, board, city leaders and community for helping to make these advancements a reality.”
The West Des Moines Public Library has officially transitioned back to normal summer hours. Patrons can explore the new space, check out books and participate in event programming for all ages now.
Watch our recent coverage by WHO13 highlighting our renovations!