The first of two virtual meetings to hear public input about moving the Glendale branch library to the John Strange School site was held on September 17. There were approximately 20 in attendance.

The meeting was run by Kevin Montgomery of krM Architecture. He explained that the Glendale branch library will be moving the recently purchased John Strange School lot. The John Strange school property, at 62nd and Olney Road, is about one mile east of the current Glendale library location. This aerial photo was presented, showing the current and future locations.

The library will be built on the south half of the school property after the school building is razed. That section can be seen in this close-up of the map image.

It was explained that currently there is a "blank slate" for the new library design. These public meetings can help shape that design.

The new library building is expected to be 25,000 sq ft.

Next, the meeting broke into three smaller groups to discuss what attendees are looking for in a library. After 20 minutes, the groups got back together and discussed the main points each group developed.

This slide from the meeting summarizes the points mentioned in the break-out groups.

There was some discussion of whether or not Mr. Strange had a stipulation on his donation of land that required it to be used for education in perpetuity. It was said that deed searches did not turn up any such clause, but that the school district decided to sell to the Indianapolis Library to continue the idea of learning.

It was also asked if some homage to the history of the school and the history of the Broad Ripple library could be included in the new building. It was suggested that perhaps the new John Strange school group could have a fundraiser for that purpose.

It was mentioned that the Boy Scout area on the north half of the property is expected to remain.

The next virtual meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30 pm. You can RSVP here.