Maplewood Library reopens after renovation with new accessible features and expanded services

Maplewood — The Maplewood Library has reopened after a long renovation, library board representative Corinne Char told the City Council on Dec. 9, citing building waterproofing and several new accessibility and service features.

"The library is open — yay," Corinne Char said. "It has taken longer than we expected and had a lot more hurdles than we expected, but we are thrilled to be back in the building." She listed new amenities including two private study rooms that can be reserved, all‑gender restrooms with floor‑to‑ceiling doors, adult changing tables, an accessible book return at counter height, improved HVAC and security systems, and water bottle filling stations aimed at ecological sustainability.

Char said some punch‑list items remain with the contractor Aspire Construction but that most renovation work is complete. She told the council the library had roughly "5,000 items" checked out in the most recent month of available data, reflecting a return to service after the closure. The library also expanded its digital offerings, including access for Maplewood residents to the Post‑Dispatch through the library's subscription and to databases such as EBSCOhost, Kanopy and Hoopla.

The library has formed a Friends of the Maplewood Public Library 501(c)(3) to assist with fundraising, naming opportunities and donor coordination. Char also described programs such as a "library of things" (telescopes, fishing gear), "reference by mail" for incarcerated individuals and outreach at community events. Council members present praised the renovation and the library's inclusivity features.

The library director, Ashley Bryant, was noted by Char as having been given the "key to the city" in recognition of her role in guiding the project. Staff told the council that a few contracted items remain to be completed but encouraged residents to visit and use the expanded services.