New renovations make Lawrence public library an asset in Downtown Lawrence

When late July of 2014 rolled around, the corner of Seventh and Vermont, home

of the Lawrence Public Library, looked very different. The new building that stood on the

corner was bigger, better and more visually appealing to Lawrence citizens and

University of Kansas students alike.

Along with the excitement for a new place where locals, students and book-lovers

could go, there was hesitation because the expansion took place near three of downtown

Lawrence’s bookstores, and how that could possibly affect business.

Polli Kenn, a reader’s services coordinator for two years at the Lawrence Public

Library, said she believes the stores and library live in symbiosis with one another and

not in competition.

“We have a really great relationship with the local bookstores, especially The

Raven,” Kenn said. “We work in close proximity with them. I also think there will

always be those people who want to purchase the books, and that is where the actual

stores come in.”

According to a survey completed by 319 people in the New York City area, most

people still prefer to own books, rather than just checking them out at the library.

“I think bookstores are for the avid readers, and libraries are great for getting people

excited about reading,” Kenn said.

Libby Reazin, a sophomore from Overland Park, says that she will often go to the

public library to buy her coffee and study, but when she wants to read a book, she will

still go the local store and buy it.

The Raven bookstore owner, Heidi Raak, greatly emphasizes the working

relationship it has always had with the public library. Although the Raven did see a loss

in sales in August, September and October after the renovations to the library were

complete, according to Raak.

“The Raven has always given many monetary amongst other contributions to the

library and we also partner with them for [various activities.] So, we regard the library’s

refurbished digs in a very positive light,” Raak said.

Not even a block away, Signs of Life, a coffee shop, art gallery, and bookstore, is

also a destination for book lovers while the Dusty Bookshelf, a used bookstore, is also

close by.

Clay Belcher, owner of Signs of Life, also sees the perk of an impressive library

nearby, and realizes the economic potential.

“I think the library is a great addition to downtown. Anything that brings people

downtown is a benefit to my business,” Belcher said. “Hopefully people see downtown as

a destination for books. In that regard, having three stores in close proximity brings more

customers to all of us.”

Along with the positive influence that having a good library can have on business

downtown, there are other positive benefits to the locals and students.

Berkleigh Wright, Lawrence, said she loved having a new place to study.

“I was surprised by how great of an atmosphere there was there. It wasn’t just a

children’s place anymore. Also, during the summer it stayed open later than the campus

library,” Wright said.

Locals also shared positive things about the new library.

“For our launch, we had the man who started Frank’s North Star Tavern talk

during the video about how he came up with the idea for his business in the library and

how it had such a positive impact on him,” Kenn said.

The Library is open Monday through Thursday at 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., Friday from

9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from 12p.m. to 6 p.m.