Kolderup
It was less than a year ago – March 23, 2021, to be exact – that Johnson County Public Library broke ground on a new and improved Clark Pleasant Branch Library.
Now, in just a few short days, we will welcome you and the rest of the Johnson County community to a beautiful new library that will provide patrons with a place to read, create and discover for years to come.
When we set out to design this new building with our partners at HBM Architects, we listened to what our patrons had been telling us they wanted from their library space. They wanted more flexible spaces they could gather in for community meetings, library programs, and for single and small-group study. They wanted places their young children could come to learn the foundations of early literacy, the skills that will help them get ready to read and set them up for success in both school and life. And of course, they wanted an attractive, comfortable place to read, relax, study and enjoy the company of their neighbors.
We’ve accomplished all of that and more, and we can’t wait for you to see it. Readers will enjoy the many comfortable seating options, including a cozy fireplace area, and the plentiful natural light throughout the building. If you have young children in your life, you’ll want to visit our Children’s Department, featuring a fun and interactive baby crawler, an imaginative play space and light table, and the amazing Everbright wall — you have to see it to believe it.
If you’re looking for a place to study, work or meet with a community group, we’ve got you covered. In addition to a large, AV-equipped Community Room, there are three study rooms – two smaller rooms for one or two people, and a larger room suitable for small groups, equipped with a large monitor display for plugging in laptops and other devices.
Learners of all ages will want to spend time in the STEAM Zone, our new Robotics Learning Lab, where we’ll offer a wide variety of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programming starting in March, with LEGO programming for preschoolers through middle schoolers. There’s much more to come in this space, so keep an eye on our events calendar for more programs throughout the year.
We’re especially excited that JCPL’s Adult Learning Center is coming to the new Clark Pleasant Branch. A longtime fixture of the Library Services Center, the ALC is a place where adult learners can access free tutoring to improve their literacy skills and other basic education needs. Many patrons have taken advantage of the ALC’s services to improve their lives, and we’re thrilled to offer those services in a beautiful, conveniently located facility.
Your first chance to see this beautiful new building and its state-of-the-art amenities is at our grand opening and community celebration on Saturday. Join us at 10 a.m. for a ribbon-cutting, performance by the Franklin Community Band and fun activities throughout the morning and afternoon. Starting Sunday, the Clark Pleasant Branch Library will be open every Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
Come be a part of the next chapter of Johnson County Public Library this Spring. Libraries are for everyone, and that includes you. Join us at U.S. 31 and Clearwater Blvd. in Whiteland and see what you can discover.
