Johnson County Library outlines Spring Hill branch renovation, pilot after-hours access

Johnson County Library System officials and BC Design Group presented detailed plans July 24 for a renovation and modest expansion of the Spring Hill library that would add new children’s space, two reservable rooms and a secured after-hours access pilot.

The project will expand the building “about 1,300 square feet,” Tricia Solentrip, county librarian and library director for the Johnson County Library System, told the City Council. The addition will house the children’s area; the renovation will add a study room, a conference room, lower windows for more natural light, new finishes and an outdoor patio, the presenters said.

The renovation team said the branch will pilot a program to let registered community members badge into the building outside staffed hours — “We won’t be open 24 hours, but we’ll extend the current hours,” Solentrip said — allowing patrons to pick up holds, browse and use computers without adding staff. The library said the program relies on technology for secure access and details will be released as reopening approaches.

Architect Hillary Beshore of BC Design Group said designers will reuse existing materials where possible, add larger glass fenestration and a screen element with literary motifs, and create flexible meeting spaces equipped with TVs and whiteboards. “Our theme for this building is spring,” she said of the children’s area design.

Project milestones reported to the council: a renovation study approved in 2018; library board budget approval in 2023; architects and a construction manager onboarded in 2024–2025; design and construction documents completed; and bidding underway. Staff said the project is awaiting Spring Hill Planning Commission action and library board approval of a guaranteed maximum price before final contracts are closed. The presenters said they were “targeting late August” for a closing action and an expected reopening in mid‑2026.

Before construction begins, staff will help patrons move holds to alternate branches and provide information in person, by phone and online; no temporary standalone library will be established while the building is closed. The presenters said they will coordinate with city events and community partners while the branch is closed.

The council did not take formal action on the renovation at the meeting; the presenters said they will return as required for final approvals and the library board will consider the guaranteed maximum price and closure dates in the next month.