The Modern Library: Schlafly Branch

I thought I knew just about everything there is to know about the Schlafly Branch Library since I am a frequent visitor and big fan. But it wasn't until Kenneth Hardcastle, above, Adult Services Provider, gave me a tour that I really focused on just how much the traditional library model has changed. The modern library has embraced technology in such a huge way that your free library card now provides more than education and entertainment, it can save you money. (St. Louis Public Library cards are available to residents of St. Louis City, County, St. Charles and those who work in the city.  All you need is a photo id with your address.)

The facility: In 2002 the Lashly Branch Library moved from 4356 West Pine (now occupied by Religious of the Sacred Heart) to a 25,000 s.f. space in the city-owned Argyle Garage on one of the most prominent corners in the CWE. The Schlafly Branch (as it became known) at Lindell and Euclid is now the fourth busiest library in the city's system. The Buder Branch at Hampton and Chippewa is the busiest, followed by the main branch, Central Library. In third place is the Carpenter Branch in the South Grand neighborhood.

As Adult Services Provider, Kenneth's duties include community outreach and finding programming that appeals to our diverse neighborhood. Last Monday's lecture, "If These Walls Could Talk," presented by Missouri History Museum's Dennis Northcutt, and the Holiday Open House in December (350 people attended) were the first major programs Kenneth spearheaded in his new role as Adult Services Provider.

In no particular order, here are some of the wonderful things you can accomplish at the Schlafly Library:

Reserve the latest novel or non-fiction title online 24 hours a day. Check out eAudiobooks too (also available for Kindle) 

St. Louis Public Library's Downloadables services enable you to tap into electronic magazines via Zinio that are yours to keep. With Freegal Music and Music Videos you can download music to any device (up to 5 songs a week – new tunes are added weekly); Xbox 360 games can be checked out for 7 days. The latest downloadable feature is Hoopla, a streaming video service. You won't find House of Cards but you can find many blockbuster videos (including some for children too) and tv shows including UK's Office, Ken Burns documentaries.

Printing service: Card holders are allowed 200 free copies a month (15 cents for each additional copy). Bring in a zip drive or send your print order to [email protected], and stop in to pick up your order (ask a staff member for assistance).

Schlafly is equipped with wi-fi, if you want to bring your own laptop, or there are 19 reservable computers available for 2-hour increments. 

 Reserve a meeting room (Lashly Auditorium) complete with audio visual equipment for non-profit organizations, your condo association, etc. – seats up to 200 people  – a smaller meeting room accommodates 10

Check out a telescope for a week (must be 18) and gaze at the stars (the library system was gifted with one telescope and subsequently purchased five more). Read more about this on St. Louis Public Radio's website here.

Plug your earphones into one of many "Playaway" audio book selections, shown right, and hit play!

Got a question? Call the library for information, the staff will get back to you with the answer. According to Kenneth, the library can go deeper than Google to get the information you need (314) 367-4120.

The library's deep database (look here) contains everything from financial information (Morningstar, etc.), information on government patents, auto repair (a most popular topic), genealogy (HeritageQuest, Family Search) to JStor, Scholarly Journals. Another favorite database for scholarly or personal research is EbscoHost (Consumer Reports is downloaded frequently).

The following post will contain more of what's available at Schlafly Library, including after-school homework help for students up to age 18.

Schlafly Branch Library, 225 N. Euclid, 9 to 9 p.m. Mon. – Thurs., 9 to 6 Fri. & Sat., 1 to 5 Sun. Closed holidays. (314) 367-4120. For suggestions on programming contact Kenneth Hardcastle at: [email protected].