Belle Isle Library

[Bill Robertson]

The tweet above where the interior glass is mentioned included an additional 50 days.

Not surprising. We need 2 windows replaced at work. Normally a couple weeks to get them made. My glass contractor told me to expect March if we're lucky.

[Pete]

They are nearing completion; the whole place is a knockout:

[Pete]

More:

[HangryHippo]

Gorgeous!!

[barrettd]

I love it! I also love that we're putting so much money into our libraries. That one out on 122nd is beautiful, as well.

[MagzOK]

That looks really, really nice!

[David]

Oh wow is that fantastic, those night pictures especially so.

[Pete]

I don't see any signs of improving that NW Ex/Villa intersection for pedestrians.

Hopefully, that is coming soon because it's nearly impossible for people to cross there if they aren't in a car.

[MagzOK]

I don't see any signs of improving that NW Ex/Villa intersection for pedestrians.

Hopefully, that is coming soon because it's nearly impossible for people to cross there if they aren't in a car.

Yes having lived down there for some time in the past, yes it's very difficult. For one, the light only lasts seconds and I've witnessed folks sprinting to the median then having to just stand there until the next light cycle then they have to sprint the rest of the way.

I haven't driven NW Expressway past Portland in a very long time. Do they have crosswalks at the major intersections headed NW past there?

[fortpatches]

I love that they used the proper glass (it appears so in the pictures at least).

I was talking with a librarian in another city where they did a similar remodel with huge windows but did not provide the appropriate glass - almost all the books in the sun light were faded and had to be replaced within a year. Instead of fixing the glass problem, the just put blinds over all the windows....

[HFAA Alum]

You know, if this area ever had some more verticality (though I doubt it because of the hospital nearby), and some updated lighting, this place would have a really nice skyline.

[Pete]

I just spoke with a rep from the metro library system and was told the grand re-opening of Belle Isle Library will be March 25th.

[barrettd]

You know, if this area ever had some more verticality (though I doubt it because of the hospital nearby), and some updated lighting, this place would have a really nice skyline.

In the meantime, this should be a beautiful beacon after dark. Hopefully they will have the capability to do some fun stuff with the lighting, too.

[Bill Robertson]

Oh wow is that fantastic, those night pictures especially so.

I'm having to take my wife to work this week so I was by there before light this morning. It really does look nice with all the glass and the lights on.

[Dob Hooligan]

Looks like Pete is back in the big time. I saw his nighttime photos on Channel 9 news at 4:15 this morning. With attribution.

[Laramie]

Really nice looking.

IIRC this renovation cost $5 million+ funded thru Better Streets, Safer City 2017 bond passage.

Like the glass facade facing the expressway.

[Pete]

The reopening has been pushed back to April 8th.

[Pete]

Press release:

****************

Belle Isle Library reopens with a three-day celebration, April 8-11
03/22/2022

The community is invited to celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated Belle Isle Library, 5501 N Villa Ave., during its inaugural weekend, April 8-11.

The celebration begins Friday, April 8, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. The three-day party continues throughout the weekend with concerts, programs and tours of the library’s new Maker Space, where people of all ages can experience new technologies.

Guests can take pictures at the photobooth, solve a scavenger hunt and listen to performers Casey and Mina, musician Lucas Ross and cellist Sam Kahre. Other programs include arts and crafts and outdoor games.

“Belle Isle Library is an institution in our city, but even iconic buildings that have produced countless memories need a refresh to stay relevant,” said Mayor David Holt. “This comprehensive renovation reinvigorates the library and ensures it will serve a new generation of residents. My thanks to the people of Oklahoma City for continuing to make these investments in our City.”

The library will offer a wide variety of programming for everyone from toddlers to seniors. Activities include book clubs, STEAM opportunities, community presentations and take-home kits. The MLS Studios offers a Maker Space that gives guests opportunities to use a 3D printer, a Cricut, sewing and embroidery machines.

The renovated two-story building features an open floor plan, two large meeting rooms, five study rooms, a teen area, a children’s area, and a programming room. The original building was expanded by 12,000 square feet in the renovation, bringing the total square footage to 32,000. New computers and furniture round out the improvements. The collection includes more than 68,000 books, magazines, DVDs and other forms of media.

“The Metropolitan Library System is grateful to the Library Endowment Trust's planned gift from the estate of Gordon and LaVerne Taylor for the specific purpose of supporting the Belle Isle Library building project,” said Metropolitan Library System executive director Larry White. “Their generous gift empowered the Library Endowment Trust to provide $950,000 to expand the scope of the Belle Isle library project to expand and update library spaces, including brand new meeting rooms which will bear the name of the Taylors. Their generous planned gift will enhance our ability to serve the community's needs within the Belle Isle community for many years to come. MLS thanks the Gordon and LaVerne Taylor estate and the Library Endowment Trust for their support.”

The 59-year-old library’s signature Mid-Century Modern look, circular design, stone, and glass was thoughtfully incorporated into the building’s expansion and renovation by architectural firm ADG.

The library was originally designed by architect Jack Mills with Turnbull & Mills in the early 1960s. The project contractor is Wynn Construction, the same contractor that built the library in 1963.

The $7.8 million renovation and expansion was paid for through Better Streets, Safer City Bond Issue that was passed by voters in 2017 and a generous $950,000 donation from Gordon and LaVerne Taylor.

[Brett]

Will there be overflow parking at the building next door to the library for the party?

[bombermwc]

I'm glad that they renovated the place, but personally, I'm not a fan of the mish-mash style of the design. It reminds me a lot of the 50's-60's style with the color tiles, but then next to a late 90's "nature" theme with the stone. It's definitely a much needed project though. MLS has managed to get quite a few good projects in over the last 10 years or so.

[TheTravellers]

I'm glad that they renovated the place, but personally, I'm not a fan of the mish-mash style of the design. It reminds me a lot of the 50's-60's style with the color tiles, but then next to a late 90's "nature" theme with the stone. It's definitely a much needed project though. MLS has managed to get quite a few good projects in over the last 10 years or so.

The building was stone originally when it was built in 1963, and *tons* of buildings/houses built around then in OKC are stone.

[shawnw]

Personally I like the uniqueness of many of our libraries vs them being pretty ordinary buildings in many other cities.

[Pete]

[David]

What a home run! Count me deeply curious to see how many impressions that the social media shares get.

[Oski]

NICE! Wish they could do the same to the Gold Dome and turn it into a public library.