Go inside Indianapolis Public Library's new West Perry branch, opening July 17

The Indianapolis Public Library's newest branch is nearly ready for its big south-side debut.

On Thursday morning, crews were putting the finishing touches on the sleek 24,000-square-foot West Perry Branch located at 6650 S. Harding St.

The doors officially open Saturday with a grand opening celebration, and library leaders say hype for the new $9.2 million branch is already high throughout the community.

"We've had a lot of people coming by and visiting. They'll come up to the door and peek in the window," said Peggy Wehr, manager of the West Perry Branch. "They're all excited about coming in and we're so excited to welcome the community into our space."

Also exciting is the fact that the library will be opening slightly ahead of schedule. Last fall, officials were projecting an August 2021 launch for the branch. 

"We've been told that several times and people are pretty stoked about us opening already," said Phil Hadley, project superintendent for Powers & Sons Construction, noting that pandemic-fueled delays weren't enough to slow them down.

"We came together as a team, pulled it off and here we are," he said. "We're thrilled to be a part of something that's going to benefit so many, and I think this area is going to be blown completely away by it."

Expanding service for residents

Wehr said before the construction of the West Perry Branch, the closest options for residents in the area were the Southport Branch at 2630 East Stop 11 Road, or the Decatur Branch at 5301 Kentucky Avenue.

She said West Perry, which replaces the Fountain Square Branch that was closed in May 2020, will fill a service gap in the growing township.

"Southport was serving like a 50 mile service radius in this area, so we're taking about half of that," she said. "That will relieve some of their pressure."

Powering the West Perry Branch is a roof covered in solar panels. Wehr said the panels will generate 75% of the annual electricity needs for the building, allowing the building to pay itself off in 10 years.

What's it like inside the West Perry branch?

Inside, patrons will have full use of a community meeting room that can hold more than 200 guests, a cozy seating area centered around a fireplace and multiple computer stations. 

On opening day, the West Perry Branch will boast a collection of 60,000 items. Library officials said that includes materials in Spanish and children’s Burmese language materials to support the diverse community of immigrants who live on the south side.

Young readers can enjoy children and teen zones, and a mother's comfort room is also available. 

Out back, a patio space stretches the length of the building and overlooks Little Buck Creek. 

Opening celebration

Saturday's grand opening celebration will be a full fledged family affair with live-music, self-guided tours of the branch, a scavenger hunt and live animal meet and greets with Silly Safaris.

Dancers from the Burmese American Community Institute will perform, and Cinamon the clown will keep the kids entertained.

The grand opening event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 17. For more information, visit www.indypl.org.

Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at 317-444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.