TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – The construction process to bring a library to 12 Points will begin next month.
The plan is to turn the old Thomas Funeral Home on N 13th Street into the new library branch. Vigo County Public Library Executive Director Kristi Howe said that construction should begin in early February. They’re hopeful that construction will be complete early next year.
“We anticipate construction to begin in a couple of weeks,” Howe said. “It’ll probably last through 2023 so we anticipate opening the building in 2024.”
It’s been well over a decade since the VCPL had a branch in the north side of Terre Haute.
Howe explained that there are big plans for this new branch. She said a rooftop terrace, more outdoor space for a splash pad and more activity space are a few of the amenities planned for the facility.
“The library is to generate change and transform lives and we hope to be able to do that work on the north side,” Howe said. “We hope to be able to reach a lot of folks that we maybe aren’t serving at our downtown location.”
12 Points Revitalization President Pat Goodwin said he’s thrilled to have this big investment coming to the area.
“That’s a huge investment to 12 Points,” Goodwin said. “It’s really super.”
The conversation of implementing a new library to 12 Points started years ago and is now becoming a reality. Goodwin thanked all of those who helped along the way.
“There’s a bunch of unsung heroes who have been working behind the scenes,” Goodwin explained. “After a few years of work and a little bit of momentum, now we’re starting to see it.”
Renderings of the library are expected to be presented at the next 12 Points Revitalization board meeting.
