Written by Maggie Liechty
Have you ever wanted to make a 3D-printed project or record a podcast? Need a meeting space for your group? Want to try your hand at laser cutting? Or do you just need a quiet place to work or study? Maybe you love books with coffee or want a place for your little ones to play when the weather isn’t great.
Look no further than the Westfield Washington Public Library!
While circulating books and resources are still at the heart of every library, modern libraries go beyond bookshelves and double as community engagement centers of technology, collaboration, and discovery. Westfield Library plans to build a better tomorrow by furthering literacy, education, and personal growth in the Westfield community.
From the youngest Westfield community members to those young at heart, the Westfield Washington Public Library’s expanded space truly has something for everyone.
A New Location for the Westfield Washington Public Library
The grand opening for the all-new Westfield Washington Public Library was held on June 1, 2024. The facility is located at 17400 Westfield Boulevard, Westfield, IN. This is just a mile south of the current library location on Hoover Street.
It is located just a short walk from Grand Junction Plaza, which includes a common space, creek area, and playground.
A Community Center for Everyone
Sheryl Sollars, director of the Westfield Library, shared the heart and vision behind this brand-new, spacious 43,000-square-foot facility.
“We wanted to build a place for the community to have room for programming space, public spaces, and meeting rooms, as well as books.” She shared that the new library’s grand vision is to truly “engage the community and to be a community center for Westfield.” The library will provide new technology features that “aren’t available anywhere in Westfield” such as a Makerspace, a digital media lab, a podcast recording studio, a greenscreen, 3D printers, a laser cutter, and even the ability to convert old VHS tapes into other media.
Sollars noted that key features of the new library are the plentiful areas for meeting, including a large meeting room, intermediate-sized spaces for classes and conferences, and many new study rooms. The atrium area has a large multi-purpose staircase with a variety of depths. These Gathering Stairs can be used as a study space, informal meeting space, and a reading area. Presenters may utilize the stairs for programs such as musical performances or even children’s story time.
Bright and Inviting
A highlight of the library is the extensive number and size of windows all around the facility that bring plenty of natural light into the building. Library visitors will enjoy the sunshine streaming into the space, creating such an inviting and open feel to the library.
Adding to the bright, airy warmth of the space is a coffee shop at the front of the library. Rivet at the Library is a miniature version of Rivet’s original location just down the street. Grab a hot or iced drink and a snack in preparation for your book browsing!
Children’s Resources at the Westfield Library
Ready to play? The Children’s Discovery Play Area includes a set of faux storefronts, perfect for imaginative play. Kids also love the interactive light wall that changes colors as they spin each circular knob. A train table is popular with toddlers and preschoolers visiting the library. Bigger kids may be drawn to the large window seats for reading or the children’s computers loaded with educational games and activities. Kids who just need to get out some energy can clamber over a set of stair-stepped climbing blocks to their hearts’ content.
Check Out & Take Home
When your kids have exhausted their play options, you’ll want to select some literary treasures from the shelves. You’ll find all your favorite fiction in every reading level, from first board books to middle-grade novels. The library also offers books in foreign languages, biographies, nonfiction, graphic novels, audiobooks, and more.
If you’re looking for something new and free for a family movie night, choose from a collection of DVDs. Music lovers can take home one of hundreds of CDs. The Westfield Library also includes a Library of Things. This special shelf is located along a wall near the window seats and is filled with kits containing hands-on activities related to specific themes. A few we noticed included STEM activities, world geography, construction toys, birds and animals, and language learning kits for Spanish and French.
Children’s Programming
The Westfield Washington Public Library offers plenty of opportunities for learning and fun for all ages. This list is just as sampling. Other programs are frequently added. Find specific dates on the library calendar here.
Baby Love
Preschool Story Time
Puppet Shows
Music & Movement
Craft projects
STEM programming
Special events such as animal and science programs on school breaks
Homeschool classes available such as Art, Drama, and Chess
Makerspace area classes
A Place Just for Teens
Upstairs, teens can find a special space just for their age group in the Teen Room. Books line the walls of a common space in the middle for gathering, community, and collaboration. Many teens find studying at the library is a great option for focusing on homework after school.
Teens will especially enjoy:
Books & resources
Computers in the teen area and computer lab
Teen Gaming area 70” TV with game consoles
Study rooms available throughout the library
Examples of Programming for Teens
Find specific dates on the library calendar here.
Drop-in crafts for teens
Tabletop board games
Puzzle competitions
Gaming events
Trivia
Friday Flicks
STEM programming and special events
Resources for Everyone
Access to thousands of books and resources (and Westfield Residents have additional access to Interlibrary Loan through Evergreen, a consortium of about 90 libraries)
Bookstore hosted by Friends of the Library
Self-serve Holds shelf near the circulation desk
Digital media lab with podcast room
Makerspace with 3D printers and laser cutters
Seed Library
Study Spaces
Small & Large Meeting rooms
Programs & Events for Adults as well
And so much more!
Library Hours
Library open hours are accurate at the time of publishing but are subject to change. Holidays and special events may also affect open hours. Please call ahead or verify online before you go.
Mon-Wed: 10 am-8 pm
Thu-Fri: 10 am-6 pm
Saturday: 10 am-5 pm
Sunday: 1-5 pm
Library books may be returned outside of operating hours using the outdoor drop box.
Other Nearby Hamilton County Libraries for You to Explore
Check out the Fishers library, the Carmel Clay library, and the Noblesville library! The town of Sheridan also has a great library. There are many quality libraries in our community, so be sure to take advantage of them.
Summer Reading Programs will motivate your kids to dive into some amazing books.
Grand Universe brings space exploration and education to Hamilton County.
Address
333 West Hoover St.
Westfield
IN
Visit The Westfield Washington Public Library | A Community Space to Play, Study, & Create
Upcoming Events
- Sensory Story Time - 7 Aug 2024 - 18:30
- Spanish Story Time - 3 Sep 2024 - 10:30
- Sensory Story Time - 4 Sep 2024 - 18:30
- Spanish Story Time - 1 Oct 2024 - 10:30
- Sensory Story Time - 2 Oct 2024 - 18:30
- Spanish Story Time - 5 Nov 2024 - 10:30
- Sensory Story Time - 6 Nov 2024 - 18:30
- Spanish Story Time - 3 Dec 2024 - 10:30
- Sensory Story Time - 4 Dec 2024 - 18:30