St. Louis Public Library: Media Archives and Highlights Forum
By Kayla Kell

On Thursday, April 29, about 30 Press Club members joined archivist Jean Gosebrink for a presentation and tour of the Downtown St. Louis Public Library. Jean shared an interesting presentation about the Media Archives at the library and the history behind them. Library volunteers, one being Press Club member Verna Smith, have helped preserve St. Louis media history at the library.

After the presentation, the group was off to take one of the last tours of the library before its extensive renovations, which are predicted to be finished in 2012. The tour included the Media Archives, “the stacks” and the Steedman Room, which is an exhibit of architectural books. These exhibits can only be viewed by request.

The remodel of the library will include getting rid of “the stacks”, which is seven stories of book shelving in place by glass flooring.  The library will have a new rear entry atrium, a 250-seat auditorium and renovations restoring many of its original features and conserving its current beauty.