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2018 (all day)
Library Board Approves Branch Planning StudyIn April 2018, the Library Board of Trustees approved hiring Matheu Architects, PC for a branch planning study (PDF). In the summer of 2018, conversations between the Library, Matheu Architects, PC, and a number of community leaders and stakeholders informed a general Southwest location of this potential third facility. The Southwest portion of the county is the largest growing area in terms of residential growth and population, is an underserved area for library services, and is one of the few available and viable land areas.
Tilley, Jenny Porter "Parking, teen space and more labeled as priorities for new library branch," The Herald-Times, December 26, 2018.
2019 (all day)
Library Awarded Grant for Teaching KitchenIn December 2019, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County awarded the Library a grant for equipment, appliances, and supplies to establish a 600-square foot teaching kitchen in the future Southwest Branch.
2020 (all day)
Library Purchases Land from MCCSC for Southwest BranchIn March 2020, the Library Board of Trustees and the Monroe County Community School Corporation Board (MCCSC) approved a purchase for sale agreement for an approximately 5-acre property on the Southwest corner of the Batchelor Middle School site at 900 W. Gordon Pike.
Bouthier, Bente "Monroe County Public Library Board Of Trustees Approves Plans To Build New Branch," Indiana Public Media, March 5, 2020.
2021 (all day)
Friends Pledge $650,000 for New BranchIn June 2021, the Monroe County Council approved a bond for branch construction (at current tax rate) and Friends of the Library pledge $650,000 to the new branch. From March–September 2021, the Library completed construction documents, sought a bid, and approved a contract (with Strauser Construction). In September, a construction bond was sold.
Ladwig, Boris. "New library branch to feature V-shaped roof, lots of windows, teaching kitchen - Southwest library to feature V-roof, lots of glass, kitchen," The Herald Times, June 28, 2021
2022 (all day)
Southwest Branch Under ConstructionThe Southwest Branch is now under construction and expected to be completed in early 2023.
Bouthier, Bente. "Monroe Co. Public Library's third branch under construction, to be completed early 2023," Indiana Public Media, April 8, 2022
2023 (all day)
Southwest Branch Opens June 9, 2023The Southwest Branch of the Monroe County Public Library opened to the public with an opening ceremony and activities.
Hogan, Jeremy. "Gallery: Monroe County Library Southwest Branch opening on Friday, June 9, 2023, in Bloomington, Indiana," The Bloomingtonian, June 9, 2023
Vesperini, Isabella. "Monroe County Public Library to open southwest branch on June 9," Indiana Public Media, May 31, 2023
