Natural Bridge Branch

Project Status

Completed. Opened to the public September 14, 2016.
 

Project Details

The Natural Bridge Branch is home to the new Emerson Technology Center-an after-hours computer lab. Emerson donated $75,000 to help fund the lab. The Emerson Technology Center contains 26 public computers and will be open during regular library hours and will offer extended hours from 9:00-11:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Fridays. The after-hours lab is a first for the Library District. Computer use at the Natural Bridge is the highest of all 20 SLCL locations. The lab will be a family friendly environment. Adults can bring their children into the lab; tables and other activities will be available for the kids. A business center with fax, scan and copy capabilities is also available inside the lab. There will be a total of 53 public computers available at the Natural Bridge, the most of any SLCL branch.

The children's area of the branch is sponsored by Cardinals Care and features a mural of the St. Louis skyline as seen from Busch Stadium, along with red hued furniture and carpeting. A wall of windows in the back of the space will be a great spot for story time. Kid-sized shelving, called browsing bins, has been installed and will allow children to more easily select their own books. The space also features special furniture for families to read and do activities together, as well as a family restroom.

The Natural Bridge Branch also includes two community meetings rooms, the larger of which is sponsored by "House of Cards" creator Beau Willimon, a St. Louis native.

Other improvements include a new teen space with bold shades of lime green and navy; three private study rooms; and a quiet reading room. New shelving, furniture and carpeting has also been installed throughout the branch.
 

Photos

View photos of the construction progress.

View photos from opening day - September 14, 2016.
 

Amenities

  • Family Restroom
  • Enhanced Children's Area
  • Quiet Reading Room
  • After-hours Computer Lab
  • Two Community Meeting Rooms
  • Three Private Study Rooms
  • Vending Area
  • New Shelving, Furniture and Comfortable Seating
     

Architect

Bond Architects
 

Budget

$3.1 million