SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- St. Joseph County Public Library announced the reopening of its Centre Branch is ahead of schedule, now opening on Sept. 2.

After the $1.5 million renovation, the South Bend-based library will feature new study rooms, fresh paint and carpets, energy-efficient lighting, and a new outdoor Story Garden, a park-like space meant to encourage reading.

The Centre Branch renovation is part of the library’s Our Next Chapter plan, which plans to modernize all nine of the St. Joseph County Public Library branches over the next decade.

“This project represents the future of our libraries. Welcoming, innovative, and tailored to our neighborhoods,” said Stephanie Murphy, Executive Director of St. Joe County Public Library. “We’re excited for patrons to return to a space that feels familiar but has been transformed in all the right ways.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held one week following the Centre Branch's reopening, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 9.

The Centre Township Branch is located at 1150 Kern Rd. in South Bend.