Support & Help

Centre Branch Closing for a Major Makeover, Reopening in Fall ’25

The St. Joe County Public Library (SJCPL) is excited to announce the temporary closure of the Centre Branch beginning November 25, 2024, as it undergoes a comprehensive renovation. This project marks the first large-scale update within the library’s “Our Next Chapter” plan, a long-term initiative aimed at modernizing library facilities across the system.

After more than two years of planning, this $1.5 million renovation will transform the Centre Branch, enhancing its spaces and services to better meet the needs of the community. The project includes essential upgrades like new energy-efficient lighting, updated carpet and furnishings, and a fresh coat of paint, which will refresh the branch’s interior and improve functionality.

Among the new features, patrons can look forward to:

  • Study Rooms: The branch will be equipped with quiet spaces to support individual work, group study, and collaboration.
  • Upgraded Meeting Rooms: Modernized spaces designed to accommodate a variety of community meetings and events.
  • Outdoor Story Trail and Nature Play Area: A reimagined outdoor area with native plants, interactive play zones, and a park-like environment for families to enjoy. The outdoor space will feature a story trail, offering a unique blend of reading and exploration for young children.

“The updates at Centre Branch are just the beginning of our larger vision for SJCPL,” said Stephanie Murphy, Executive Director of SJCPL. “After years of planning, we’re thrilled to see this renovation come to life, and we’re confident that these enhancements will be well worth the wait.”

While the Centre Branch is closed, SJCPL invites patrons to explore the programs, resources, and services available at other nearby branches. The anticipated reopening of the Centre Branch is scheduled for the fall of 2025.

About “Our Next Chapter” Plan
The “Our Next Chapter” plan is SJCPL’s ambitious 10-year strategy to renovate and enhance library branches across the county. With a focus on creating sustainable, welcoming spaces that reflect each branch’s neighborhood character. The plan aims to foster lifelong learning, build stronger communities, and expand access to vital resources.

To learn more about “Our Next Chapter” and stay updated on renovation progress, please visit www.sjcpl.org/our-next-chapter.

Architectural Renderings

Note: These preliminary renderings from MKM Architecture + Design are intended to provide a conceptual view of the design. They do not represent the final designs of exterior or interior features, which are subject to change.

Rendering of the renovated Centre Branch of St. Joseph County Public Library. The space features a modern customer service desk where two staff members are assisting patrons. There are various seating areas with patrons, including a parent holding a child and others using library resources. Light green and beige colors are prominent in the decor, with wooden accents on the walls and around the desk area.
Rendering of the renovated entry area at the Centre Branch of St. Joseph County Public Library. The space includes a seating area with patrons engaged in various activities. A man in a wheelchair sits near the entrance, while another man talks on his phone. A parent and child sit together on a teal armchair, sharing a book.The decor features neutral tones with wood accents, soft lighting, and ample natural light through large windows near the entrance.

Reenvisioning our Neighborhood Branches

The St. Joe County Public Library is embarking on a ten-year Facilities Master Plan, called Our Next Chapter, that will revitalize the library’s nine branches. Through the master plan, the Library will strategically plan for the renovation and renewal of the library’s branch facilities located throughout our community. 

In preparation for the opening of the Main Library and the Community Learning Center in 2021, the St. Joe County Public Library invested considerable time and resources into listening and planning for the needs of the community. The same type of approach will be implemented in this process. The Library will meet with community leaders and listen to the needs of those living in the neighborhoods served. 

The ten-year branch revitalization project will be an opportunity to assess the branches and begin to implement revitalizations. After a competitive bidding process, the Library considered five architectural firms and chose MKM Architects to create a Facilities Master Plan to guide planning, renovations and improvements over the next 10–20 years. 

Over the next six months, the Library will design a vision for our branches in collaboration with the architects. The plan will allow the Library to respond appropriately to changes or shifts in community demographics, technology development, emerging library services, aging facilities and other future needs.

Project updates will be posted to the Our Next Chapter webpage.

Gathering Public Feedback

Throughout the design process, the Library will gather public input and work with local leaders to ensure that we have the best branches for our community. You can participate by attending a public meeting or completing a survey. Take the quick five-minute survey to provide input on what you would like to see at your neighborhood branch.

Take the survey

Public Meetings

The Library is hosting three public meetings to gather insight from the community about their neighborhood branches. Please plan to attend a meeting, so we can design better branches for our neighborhoods.

Tuesday, October 10 (West side)
5:30 – 7:00 p.m., Charles Martin Youth Center
802 Lincoln Way W, South Bend, IN 46616

Tuesday, October 10 (South side)
6:00 – 7:30 p.m., Southeast Neighborhood Center
405 E Dubail Ave, South Bend, IN 46613

Wednesday, October 11 (East side)
6:00 – 7:30 p.m., The Well
2410 E Mishawaka Ave, South Bend, IN 46615

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