De Soto and Spring Hill Renovations

While well-maintained, the DeSoto and Spring Hill Libraries have received only minor cosmetic upgrades in the more than forty years since they opened in 1982. A larger-scale renovation will provide more meeting and collaboration spaces, a more intuitive collection layout, an improved kids’ area, updated technology and needed upgrades to building infrastructure. The Libraries will also be brightened and improved with new carpeting, shelving, furnishings, paint and more.

The Spring Hill Library site offers an opportunity for expansion on existing land. An expansion allows for more seating and collaboration spaces, a more spacious children’s area, an enhanced outdoor area and more natural light.

While the De Soto Library site does not offer room for building expansion, we do plan to enhance the façade and outdoor area in front of the building, and to use the interior space more efficiently, allowing for more meeting and collaboration space and making best use of available natural light.

In 2025 we will begin refreshing our Comprehensive Library Master Plan, which will identify longer term needs and forecasts and allow us to plan with current data for the Spring Hill and De Soto communities, as well as all of our communities across Johnson County.

Design priorities in general are:

• Including study and meeting spaces for both quiet and collaborative work where possible
• Updating 6 by 6 Early Literacy spaces and kids’ area
• Updating public computers
• Creating an intuitive collection layout
• Enhancing outdoor spaces
• Making the best use of available natural light
• Security and technology enhancements
• Modernizing service desks
• Adding “self-service” hours and expanding the building outward at Spring Hill

We’re in the design stage currently, so the designs are more groupings of spaces than blueprints. The spaces and finishes will evolve as we go through the design process. Final designs will be shared with the Library Board and public as soon as we are able.

Design work is ongoing and construction is expected to occur later in 2025. Each building will have its own timeline, which we will share with residents when more concrete dates are determined.

Yes. The length of the closures will be shared once more concrete dates are determined. The Library will notify residents via email, social media, Library publications and in-branch signage in advance of any closure period and will provide information on how to access alternative Library services.

These two projects were approved by the Library Board and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) as part of the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan. Anticipated total project costs for both locations are approximately $6.3 million. These two projects are funded by Library reserves.