Major library expansion breaks ground with ceremony

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The main branch of Saint Joseph County Public Library is set to begin constructing its multi-million dollar expansion after a groundbreaking ceremony Friday.

The project has been in the works since 2016 – an idea to make the main campus stand out as a premier spot in downtown for years to come not just for books, but as a flagship for any community activity.

“Libraries across Indiana are changing,” SJCPL Communications Director Jennifer Henecke said.

“Across the world, really, are changing a little bit to become more of community centers to broaden how we reach out to our communities. And I think that this is one way we can really make that happen.”

The city handles the hefty price tag with help from private donors as well as 10 million bucks from the south bend community foundation. A ribbon cutting ceremony is hoped to take place summer 2021.