Sneak Peek of the Restored Central Library

The beautiful foyer restored

The new Locust Street atrium complete with new meeting and reading areas, computer commons, and cafe.

Main Floor of the Central Library restored to its' original appearance

The Central Library is in its final stages of completion just in time to celebrate its centennial year and grand opening in November.  A recent tour of the Central Library, led by the Executive Director of the St. Louis Public Library, Waller McGuire, showed the spectacular restoration of a structure built a century ago.  Often cited as "one of America's great public buildings and architectural masterpieces", the Central Library has been beautifully restored and renovated inside and out.  Not only is the Library known for its aesthetic design, but also for its impressive collection of over 4.7 million books and historical documents and information.  A study conducted by Central Connecticut State University ranked The St. Louis Public Library among the top five urban libraries for the past six years, and this year it was ranked #2. (slpl.org)  

Included in the renovation is a new 250-seat auditorium located in the basement of the Library which was once a coal bin, new meeting and reading rooms, a technology room, cafe, and a children and teens library.  All of the lights have been restored or replicated to its original appearance and the ceilings have been carefully restored by artist and plasterers.  The Library will host a dinner, Central To Your World Gala, on Saturday, November 17 and open to the public on Sunday, December 9.  BSI was proud to be a part of an integral part of St. Louis history!