East Independence Branch Groundbreaking on March 31

On Friday, March 31, at 9:00 a.m., Mid-Continent Public Library leaders and local officials will break ground on the Library’s brand-new East Independence Branch, located at Little Blue Pkwy and S. Heartland Drive in Independence (just south of I-70)*. The 12,500-square-foot branch will be the Library’s fourth location in the city (including its Midwest Genealogy Center) and is slated to open in 2024.

The East Independence Branch will offer a variety of amenities to Library customers, including:

• A community program room
• Two meeting rooms (available for reservation by the public)
• A drive-thru
• Dedicated children and teen areas
• Outdoor seating
• Upgraded technology

MCPL acquired the East Independence Branch property from LANE4 Property Group earlier last year, and construction plans were approved by the Library’s Board in December. As part of the Library’s Capital Improvement Plan, construction of the East Independence Branch is made possible by funding from Proposition L, which voters passed in 2016, increasing the Library’s funding for the first time in more than 30 years.

MCPL has fulfilled its promises to voters by renovating or replacing nearly all of its 30+ locations and adding a brand-new branch in Lee’s Summit. Design work for the Capital Plan is being completed by Sapp Design Architects and Helix Architecture + Design, with JE Dunn assuming responsibility for construction contractor management.

In addition to all the physical upgrades, the increased funding from Prop L has allowed MCPL to expand branch hours, enhance special services, augment early literacy efforts, and buy more materials. More information about all of the Library’s construction projects can be found at mymcpl.org/Community.

*Parking for the groundbreaking ceremony will be available at the nearby Independence Christian Center (20201 NW Valley View Rd, Blue Springs, Mo.).