The Johnson County Library will open the renovated Leawood Pioneer Library, 4700 Town Center Dr., Leawood, Kan on October 1, 2009 after having been closed for a year for expansion construction.  A grand reopening celebration will be held on Saturday, October 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Library which will include a brief ceremony, ribbon cutting, tours, music, activities and refreshments. The event is open to the public.

The Leawood Pioneer renovation project nearly doubled the size of the 10,800-square-foot library which was built in 1994 by increasing it to 19,310 sq. ft. The project included a complete interior redesign, roof replacement, and a new addition constructed with “green” building materials on the east side of the library. The expansion provides space for a 50-person community meeting room, youth programming room, study rooms, teen area, art gallery, a patron lounge, as well as more books and audiovisual materials, and additional computers and seating areas.  There are also new electrical systems, lighting, and finishes as well as acoustical improvements.

County Librarian Donna Lauffer indicated that library visitors will be excited about the changes in the facility. “Library service is greatly improved with this building,” she noted. “When patrons first walk in they will notice more light coming into the building through the added and exposed windows and vibrant colors on the walls and in the carpet and furniture. The building is very open with spaces for teens and children as well as for adults to gather. There are more computers available for public use spread throughout the building. Library staff will be roving in the library to assist patrons in finding materials and the information they need. Materials pick up and self check will be the near the entrance. We hope community residents are pleased with the improvements and thank them for their patience.”

Beginning Oct. 1, 2009, hours of service for the Leawood Pioneer Library will be:

Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For the past year the Library has been operating from a storefront location at Town Center Shopping Center. That temporary location will close on September 30. For more information call Jennifer Mahnken at (913) 495-2466.