By Laura McMillan/KSN
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — What was once the busiest branch library in Wichita may regain that title. The Wichita Public Library has reopened the Westlink Branch after an almost two-year remodeling project.
The library at 8515 Bekemeyer, near Central and Tyler, has doubled in size, adding community meeting rooms, more study spaces, a drive-up window, an expanded children’s room, and a dedicated teen space. The branch also has updated technology.
“Modern libraries definitely aren’t just a warehouse of books, and we’ve been exploring that through our Advanced Learning Library and all of our other branches,” Jaime Nix, Wichita director of libraries, said. “Libraries are meeting spaces. They’re places for opportunities for discovery, connection.”
The branch still needs some work, but Nix said it was important to open it to the community.
“It’s going to be a work in progress for the next month or so,” she said. “We have some more furniture coming in. Obviously, we have a circulation desk that needs to be installed. We’re erring on the side of the access before perfection, so we really wanted to open the doors.”
Westlink Branch will be open:
- Monday through Thursday — 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday — 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
After the library closed in May 2023, patrons were invited to use a temporary location in the shopping center at Central and Ridge Road.
“The temporary location definitely served a purpose for us, but we’re glad to have everybody home,” Nix said.
This article was republished here with the permission of: KSNW-TV