The new Clark Pleasant Library in Johnson County has so much to offer every one of its visitors! Adults and teens will love the laptop kiosk, fireplace reading area, nature trails, and public art installations. If you are visiting with kids, the children’s area, complete with a light brite wall, baby crawler area, play kitchen and more, can’t be missed. This newest branch of the Johnson County Public Library opened in early March at 350 Clearwater Boulevard, just off of US 31 in New Whiteland, Indiana.
A Warm Welcome and Space for Community
As you walk into the modern black and white building complete with red beams, you’ll first notice the expansive space with tall ceilings and an abundance of natural light. Straight ahead you will spot the Welcome Desk and to your right is the Community Room which seats up to 130 people. A fun detail in the Community Room is the wall display of pictures from around Johnson County. The library held a photo contest and the winners were awarded with their pictures being permanently displayed.
Behind the Welcome Desk are several features unique to this library. The Laptop Kiosk holds 18 laptops that anyone with a library card can checkout and use while they are in the library. The Booktique is a concept developed by the Friends of the Johnson County Public Library. It is a full time book sale benefiting the library, and all books cost only $2. Two perfect reading spots include a cozy area complete with couches and a fireplace and outdoor seating just outside the door. The Library of Things is also located in this space and includes kits with games, cooking tools, STEAM projects, and more.
Focus on STEAM
On the far wall of the library, you will come across the STEAM Zone Learning Lab. This room includes a 3D Printer and hosts robotics events and special programming. Just outside the STEAM Zone, you will find the Teen Area. Teens will be drawn to the large screen TV, comfortable seating, and the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
Find Books and More in the Children’s Area
The Children’s Area is a definite highlight of the library. The large Youth Programming Room has ample space for hosting story times and STEAM activities. Just outside the Programming Room, you’ll find shelf upon shelf of new children’s books covering every topic and author imaginable. The computers here are just the right size for the youngest library patrons.
Kids will especially gravitate towards the play area, located just underneath the colorful circle lights. This spot includes a ball drop where kids can investigate how to move ramps to get a ball from the top of the wall to the bottom without falling, and a light table which includes magnatiles, pegs, and x-rays to observe. There is also an imagination zone with costumes and a play kitchenette. It even has a small pass-through window and cash register. The walls surrounding the space have activities, too. There is a magnet wall, a light brite wall where kids simply twist the knobs to change the colors of the lights, and a Lego Duplo wall.
A Play Space Just for Babies
The Baby Crawler area acts as a simple corral for your little ones to play while you grab a book close by. Your babies and toddlers will love the mirror and several interactive learning panels perfectly placed at their height. There is also plenty of comfortable seating including tables and chairs to play with puzzles and a couple of reading nooks just for kids. The thought that went into the design of the Children’s Area is so evident. There is even a family restroom here with an I-Spy game inside.
Not a Detail Missed
As you make your way back towards the entrance of the library, you will see the Adult Learning Center, Study Rooms, and Great Reads Wall. The Adult Learning Center is a large room which hosts ESL and GED classes along with free tutoring services. There are also three separate study rooms where individuals may work or even reserve for small meetings. The Great Reads Wall displays librarians’ current favorite books and yet another cozy reading area.
From top to bottom and end to end, not a detail was missed in this library. On top of an expansive selection of books, it truly has something for everyone. Be sure to visit soon!
