Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

Learning Center and Digital Media Lab

The Learning Center is complete. This room is open for a variety of learning experiences for people of all ages. A new Digital Media Lab is being built beside the Learning Center. It will feature soundproofing, software and equipment for digital media projects. Construction on the Digital Media Lab is planned to be completed in fall 2019.

Claire’s Courtyard (Courtyard and Café Expansion)

On May 24, 2018 a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the future site of Claire’s Courtyard. This new public space will include a year-round all-weather sunroom, an outdoor courtyard and an outdoor amphitheater for library events. Construction is complete and the space is open for you to take you Millennium Cafe lunch, read a book, play cards or just sit and enjoy the water feature.

This exciting project was funded entirely by private donations raised by The Library Foundation, and is thanks primarily to a generous donation from Dr. Glenn Swogger. The name Claire’s Courtyard is in honor Dr. Swogger’s late wife Claire.

Rotunda, Business Center & Main Corridor – Completed September 2019

The Business Center has been moved to its new location in the Plaza, the main lobby that includes the customer service desk. You now have a little more room to copy, fax, print and scan.

Construction is complete on the Plaza. Featured books are in the center of the plaza. Checkout kiosks and Bestseller Express and DVD Express items are in the west side. The customer service desk is on the east side of the plaza beside the large print section. The flooring has been replaced in the plaza, main hallway, entrance, atrium and rotunda.

Large Print – Completed March 2019

Large print books are in a newly remodeled area just inside the front Plaza. The remodeled Large Print area has reconfigured shelving to make it easier to find the items you want.

North Reading Room – Completed December 2017

In July 2017 we added doors on the Core First Bank and Trust Reading Room to help keep noise out of this quiet space. In November and December 2017 we installed new shelving for the periodicals collection which was then moved into the North Reading. New furniture for comfortable seating was added at the same time in addition to more tables for individual study.

Team Rooms – Completed October 2017

In June 2017 work began in the Reference room removing the four existing study rooms and replacing them with eight new Team Rooms. Construction was completed in October 2017. The new Team Rooms provide a quiet space equipped with technology for groups of six people or fewer. Each room has a small conference table, a glass dry erase board (bring your own markers), and a 42” monitor with Microsoft Office, internet, speakers and a web cam.

You can reserve a team room online or in person on the iPad outside each room. You can reserve a room up to seven days in advance for up to three hours a day with your library card.

Cafe Entrance – Completed October 2017

In July 2017 work began to create an opening between the Millennium Cafe and the new books, movies and music area. This project was completed in October 2017. This new entrance allows you can check out your new book, grab a beverage and a snack, and sit down to read. We have a check out station right by the new cafe entrance for easy access.

Pedestrian Plaza – Completed May 2017

We improved the entrance to the library with a beautiful pedestrian plaza with raised flower beds and seating.

For more information check out the Facilities Master Plan PDF.