Wichita Public Library has begun a remodeling project for the Westlink Branch. The project is expected to take 14-16 months from the start of construction and will double the size of the location, adding more community spaces and new technology for residents to enjoy. A temporary location has opened one mile away to continue providing some services to residents in west Wichita.

Updates

• November 19, 2024: General construction is almost complete. Subcontractors are installing infrastructure for technology and audiovisual systems.
• October 24, 2024: Inside the building, work on ceilings, walls, and flooring is nearing completion. Outside the building, wall panel installation is in progress.
• September 19, 2024: Activities in progress include ceiling and flooring installation as well as HVAC and electrical work.
• August 23, 2024: Interior walls and some sections of ceiling have been installed. The building exterior is nearly complete.
• June 27, 2024: Work on the outside of the building includes roofing. Inside, spaces in the south addition are being framed.
• May 28, 2024: Progress has been made on new exterior walls as well as paved exterior spaces.
• April 9, 2024: Construction work continues, which includes reframing of interior spaces and the addition of new exterior walls for the drive-up window area and south addition.
• February 29, 2024: The former south exterior wall has been removed and work has begun on expanding the building's footprint.
• January 31, 2024: Demolition has begun on old interior spaces.
• January 4, 2024: A ceremonial groundbreaking took place following remarks by Mayor Brandon Whipple, District V Councilmember Bryan Frye, and Director of Libraries Jaime Nix.
• November 21, 2023: The Wichita City Council voted unanimously to approve Key Construction as the general contractor for the Westlink project.

Check Out Our Westlink History Collection

Photos and videos from this construction project can be found in a brand new collection in our Digital Archives platform. We're also collecting and adding content from Westlink's 60 years of existence into this collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is the temporary Westlink Branch? What are its services and hours?

  The temporary branch is located at 7011 W. Central, Suite 205, on the southeast corner of Central and Ridge. It is between the pet grooming business and Luxe Nails & Spa, facing west. The former Gordman's store is south of the strip.

  The temporary location offers a small collection for browsing and checkout, photocopying, library card registration, a few public internet/PC stations, and holds pickup. A book drop is also available for materials return.

  Its hours are:

  • Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Saturday: 1-5 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed

  

• Where do I return materials checked out from Westlink?

  You can return materials inside the temporary location during its open hours, outside at its 24-hour drop box, or to any other Wichita Public Library location.

• What is the timeline of the expansion and remodel project?

  With an expected 14-16 month construction process, we are anticipating reopening the building in early 2025.

• Where can I see construction photos?

  You can find all our photos and videos related to this project in the Westlink History Collection of our Digital Archives site.

• What will it be like when it's done?

  The remodel and expansion at the Westlink Branch will add community meeting rooms, study spaces, a drive-up window, an expanded children's room, and updated technology. Several community focus groups were held in March 2023 with the design firm to gather public interest for desired amenities. The main area of expansion is on the south side of the building. The floor plan below highlights some of the features you can expect when the building reopens.

  

  A Drive-up window and materials return

  B Automated materials handler like at the Advanced Learning Library

  C Numerous study and meeting spaces

  D Customer service point and hold pickup shelves

  E Self-check machines

  F Public computing areas

  G Main collections

  H Teen areas

  I Restrooms (including family restroom in children's area)

  J Children's area including nursing room and sensory room

  K Outdoor children's area

  L Additional outdoor seating

  *Red outlines indicate areas where the building will be expanded