This is the twentieth edition of JTPL Stories: a series of interviews with library patrons, staff, and partners. Continue below to meet the faces of JTPL with our Outreach Coordinator, Aliya! Click Here to read the entire series.
Did you know that planning for the library’s current renovations started almost 3 years ago, in early 2024?
This month, I sat down with our library director, David Seckman, to give patrons an inside look. We spoke about where renovations began, how the construction has been going so far, and what to expect once construction is finished in 2027. I’ll also share some exclusive photos of the construction progress!
In the beginning, David said, the renovations started with a brainstorm of ideas between himself, JTPL staff, and our architectural advisor, Tower Pinkster.“
We went through the library from top to bottom,” he said. “We talked about, you know, what does the library need? Is there anything we’re missing, mechanically and structurally?”
The library’s architect recommended several immediate repairs we should take on. The roof in Jeffersonville was reaching the end of its warranty and leaking into the ceiling of Youth Services: a potential health risk. And, in Clarksville, the public bathrooms each had plumbing problems that needed in-depth repairs.
Staff also requested safer circulation desks and an indoor book drop in Jeffersonville. They proposed some big renovation ideas geared toward our patrons’ needs, too. Those included a book mobile, an outdoor learning area in Clarksville, and a restoration of Jeffersonville’s Youth Services.
David inspects the ceiling and ongoing duct work on the second floor in Jeffersonville. Parco has torn out most of the ceiling in order to do electrical and repair work.
Renovation ideas in place, a team of architects from Tower Pinkster estimated what each project would cost, and the budget was approved by the Clark County Board in mid-2025.
“I’m most excited that [the budget] keeps the tax rate the same,” David told me. “So it’s not going to show up on your tax bill at all.”
The library has taken other efforts to reduce costs as well. Youth Services staff valiantly moved their entire department for construction, rather than having to hire a moving company. And Bruce, who was featured here in August, auctioned off thousands of dollars worth of items we no longer need online.
Despite these efforts, construction had to be delayed for about six months when bids for the project came in significantly over budget. As a result, our JTPL board decided to drop the book mobile and Clarksville outdoor learning area until more funding becomes available.
They prioritized our most crucial projects: the roof and plumbing repairs and Jeffersonville Youth Services.
In August 2026, construction finally began in earnest with our contractor, Parco. And so much has already been done. You can see details in the photo gallery above!
In Jeffersonville, they’ve knocked down five walls, torn out the carpet, and taken down the ceiling for duct work to be done. Now, they are installing new walls and beginning roof work. They expect to start work in Clarksville in early November.
I asked David and our Youth Services Manager, Kelsey, about what we’re all really wondering… what is the new renovation going to look like when it’s finished?
Kelsey says the new Youth Services will be vibrant and multiverse themed, with interactive areas for kids of all ages. “We’re excited to create a space with specific nooks for each age group,” she told me. “We want every child to feel like our library has a spot just for them and their needs.”
There will be a new toddler play area with a mural painted by a local artist, an interactive STEAM learning space for middle schoolers, and a redesigned teen lounge. There are also new rooms tailored for nursing mothers and supervised-care visits.
“I’m most excited about seeing our young patrons enjoying this new space,” David said. “We appreciate everybody’s patience, and I think it’ll be a beautiful space once it opens.”
It will take a lot of work to get there, but we’re looking forward to unveiling this new space during 2027 Summer Reading after three years of hard work!
You can find up-to-date info about the renovations on the dedicated page, here.