February 21, 2020



The St. Joseph County Public Library, in partnership with the Community Foundation and the City of South Bend, celebrates the start of construction on the Main Library renovation and expansion projects at a groundbreaking ceremony in the Main Library plaza.



Photo by Becky Malewitz, Community Foundation of St. Joseph County

December 18, 2019

The Library releases construction documents for bidding. *Addenda to construction documents released. Bid opening changed from January 28 to February 3, 2020.

December 16, 2019

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the African American Community Fund at the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County announces that it will match all gifts up to a total of $200,000 in support of the renovation and expansion of the Main Library.

December 2, 2019

Our new temporary Keller Park Branch opens to the public on Monday, December 2. The Keller Park Branch will be home to Studio 304 and Local & Family History Services while Main Library is closed for renovation. Keller Park Branch hours are 9AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday. Studio 304 is closed on Wednesdays.

Celebrate the opening of our new temporary location on Monday, December 2 with an Open House featuring crafts, refreshments, and giveaways.





November 1, 2019

Main Library is now closed. Visit our new, temporary Keller Park Branch beginning Monday, December 2.



July 22, 2019

The St. Joseph County Public Library board approves temporary hours beginning fall 2019. Beginning September 8, German Township and Centre Township Branches will be open from 1pm–5pm on Sundays. Beginning in November, Francis Branch and Centre Township Branch will be open from 10am–8pm Monday through Thursday.

June 24, 2019

The Community Foundation of St. Joseph County (CSFJC) announces that it has received a $3 million challenge grant from the Judd Leighton Foundation. This $3 million challenge grant will support the CSFJC's $10 million commitment towards the renovation and expansion of the Main Library.

May 20, 2019

The St. Joseph County Public Library board and the South Bend Community School Corporation board approve a letter of intent to lease the first floor of the Brown Intermediate Center to serve as the temporary Main Library during work on the Main Library renovation and expansion projects.

April 22, 2019



The St. Joseph County Public Library board selects Bulley & Andrews LLC as construction manager for the Main Library project.



Bulley & Andrews, established in 1891 in Chicago, has managed numerous construction projects throughout the Midwest. Bulley & Andrews was the low bidder and the top of four finalists who bid on the project.



December 6, 2018



Executive Director Debra Futa and Alex Lamis & Melissa DelVecchio from Robert A.M. Stern Architects present the vision for the Main Library renovation and expansion projects at a Community Update in the Main Library's Colfax Auditorium.



The below images feature preliminary renderings of the exterior:

November 26, 2018



The South Bend Common Council votes unanimously to approve a three-way agreement with the library and the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County. Read more here.



August 27, 2018

The below drawing is a rendering of the proposed Main Library Block. It is a concept drawing from RAMSA that shows what the new block could look like.

February 5, 2018

We are pleased to announce Robert A. M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) as our selection to complete work on a Master Plan for the redevelopment of the Main Library Block in downtown South Bend.

For more information on RAMSA, click here.